The Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs and Ministry of Health in partnership with Accelerated Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) have organized a comprehensive training and empowerment programme for 722 women across the 361 political wards in Katsina State. The initiative focused on teaching women how to produce Garin Lafiya (nutritious cereal flour) and utilize backyard farming for hybrid seed cultivation.
In a remark by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua, she emphasized the broader impact of empowering women.
“At the heart of this initiative is the understanding that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.
By equipping our women with the knowledge of producing Garin Lafiya and cultivating hybrid seeds, we are not only addressing critical issues like nutrition and food security, but we are also helping to create sustainable livelihoods that will drive economic growth for years to come.”
Honorable Yar’adua also extended her gratitude to the partners, ANRiN and the Ministry of Health, stating,
“Let me take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to our partners, ANRiN and the Ministry of Health, for their invaluable support in making this initiative a reality.
This collaboration reflects our shared vision of a healthier and more prosperous Katsina State, where no woman is left behind.”
Also speaking, the Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, stated the significance of the programme and the pivotal role women play in fostering community well-being.
He encouraged the women to apply the knowledge gained to improve both their households and their communities.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Alh. Nura Murtala, in his address, drew attention to the importance of addressing the well-being of women and children, noting that initiatives like this are crucial in supporting the most vulnerable in society.
ANRiN Coordinator, Dr. Umar Bello, also emphasized the importance of providing Tombrown and hybrid seeds to the women, reinforcing the program’s focus on both nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
This initiative marks a significant step toward creating healthier, more self-reliant communities in Katsina, showcasing the power of collaboration between government institutions and partners in addressing critical socio-economic issues .