Group urges women to invest in agric value chain

The National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN), has advised women to invest in agriculture value chain to promote the country’s food security agenda.

Dr Nma Okoroji, National President of NACOPPMAN, gave the advice in an interview on Friday in Lagos state, while celebrating the 2024 International Women’s Day.

The International Women’s Day is celebrated every March 8; this year’s theme is: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

Okoroji urged women to actively engage in the coconut business by establishing coconut plantations in their various homes, and also investing in coconut value chain to be empowered and become self-reliant.

She said women had always been the backbone of any society, and their active participation in the coconut industry was crucial for the actualisation of Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria (COSIN) initiative.

She said women also played a vital role in wealth creation in the country, adding that they constituted a strong pillar in the development of agriculture and coconut value chain.

Okoroji commended all the women who had contributed to the growth and success of the coconut industry in Nigeria and globally.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, I want to use this opportunity to honour and celebrate these incredible women.

“They have contributed to the growth and success of the coconut industry in Nigeria and globally.

“Your hard work, dedication, and passion have been instrumental in shaping the industry and driving it forward,” she said.

She added that she would also encourage and empower more women to get involved in the coconut business.

“Women have always been the backbone of our society, and their active participation in the coconut industry is crucial for the actualisation of COSIN (Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria).

“I urge all women to consider establishing coconut plantations and to actively engage in the coconut business.

“By doing so, not only will you be contributing to the growth of the industry, but you will also be creating opportunities for sustainable income generation and economic empowerment,” she said.

Okoroji urged the government at all levels to give equal opportunities to women to participate and lead in important sectors of the economy.

“Let’s work together to create a thriving coconut industry that benefits everyone.

“Let’s ensure that women have equal opportunities to participate and lead in this important sector.

“Happy international women’s day to all the amazing women in our industry,” she said.

Mrs Chinasa Asonye, President, Ogbonge Women Multipurpose Agricultural and Cooperative Society, Lagos State, also called for inclusion of women in policy making to enable them contribute to the development of the sector.

She urged governments at all levels to address the issue of double taxation in the country, adding that members of the Society were committed to paying their taxes regularly.

“On this International Women’s Day, I want to call for policy inclusion for women’s voices to be heard.

“Women should continue to push, what we are doing is our business and there is no way we can relent.

“We need to continue to push for a better society and country at large; we must pay our taxes as we carry out our farming business so that government will in turn provide good roads, housing, and hospitals,” she said.

Asonye commended women for their contributions to the nation’s food security, adding that they were a force to reckon with.

Asonye urged women to continue to contribute their quota by farming and producing food for the nation.

“Women should come out and support themselves. We are experts on our farms, we know where it is biting us.

“You cannot bring a banker to my farm to tell me what is happening on my farm; I will be the one to point out the challenges I have on my farm.

“I will be the one to tell you that this is the way we want it. We need to be involved in policy formulation,” she said.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi