Benin: The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) recently distributed poultry packages to 50 women with disabilities in Edo, aiming to enhance their engagement in sustainable poultry farming. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve rural livelihoods and promote economic empowerment within the community.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, the General Manager of BATNF, highlighted that the beneficiaries were carefully chosen for this empowerment program. Represented by Sadiq Waziri, Executive Director of Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Ltd., Odusanya emphasized the foundation’s commitment to investing in communities, particularly in empowering resilient and enterprising women. This initiative, he noted, is a step towards a brighter, more prosperous future for Edo.
The distribution of the poultry packages is part of a larger effort to enhance development, resilience, and economic empowerment in the area. Odusanya stated, “Poultry farming is now a transformative enterprise, providing not only a sustainable source of income but also advancing food security and strengthening community cohesion.” He further assured that BATNF would continue supporting the project through awareness programs and additional resources to ensure its long-term success and sustainability.
The collaboration with the state Ministry of Livestock Development has been pivotal to the initiative’s success, and Odusanya praised Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Limited for their role in implementing the program. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested over four billion naira in agricultural development initiatives, aiding over 1.3 million people. BATNF aims to double this number over the next decade by increasing support for smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mr. Ignatius Omorodion, commended BATNF and its partners for their contributions. Represented by Thomas Haruna, Director of Veterinary Services, Omorodion mentioned ongoing collaborations with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to benefit local farmers, particularly those with disabilities.
Ann Ojugu, Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Edo Chapter, expressed gratitude to BATNF, the Edo government, and the state Ministry of Livestock Development. She urged beneficiaries to use the resources effectively to achieve financial independence and improve their livelihoods.