By Prosper Mene
A female-led non-governmental organization, Great Brave Women (GBW), has successfully trained over 420 schoolgirls across eight secondary schools in Lagos State in agricultural practices and essential life skills.
The initiative, spearheaded by GBW’s Lagos State Coordinator, Alhaja Omotayo Atoba, aims to empower the next generation of female leaders in agriculture while fostering sustainable development and gender equality.The training program, conducted as part of GBW’s ongoing efforts, equipped students with practical knowledge in agricultural and environmental practices.
Selected participants received starter kits, including live catfish with feeds, hens with poultry feed, watering cans, and eco-friendly pesticides, to kickstart their agricultural journeys. “This effort is fully powered by the individual contributions of our women farmers, without any external support,” said Mrs. Yetunde Olaniyan, a dedicated farmer involved in the program. She emphasized the NGO’s commitment to reshaping perceptions of farming while nurturing the potential of young girls.
Alhaja Atoba, who also serves as the state coordinator for Nigerian Women in Agriculture, noted the transformative impact of the initiative. “What you see here today is the result of collective passion and sacrifice. I firmly believe that when you train a woman, you train a nation,” she stated. Atoba called for support from the Lagos State government, local authorities, and private sector partners to expand the program’s reach and impact.
One of the beneficiaries, Dorcas Olaniyan, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Agriculture has taught me that nothing is wasted. Whether it’s farming or another skill, I urge fellow students to embrace learning and make the most of every opportunity.”The program received commendations from representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and other senior government officials, who praised GBW’s grassroots approach to gender-focused agricultural education. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that GBW plans to continue the training when schools resume in September, setting a new standard for empowering young women in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
