As food prices continue to skyrocket in Nigeria, Vice Chancellor of the Osun State University, Professor Odundayo Clement Adeboye has said the most populous African country can only be freed from this challenge, only if the interests of women farmers, women sellers and women producers are factor into national policy.

Professor Adeboye disclosed this on Thursday during the maiden Osun State University 2023 Women’s Day Celebration, held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, Osogbo main campus.

The Vice-chancellor noted that it appears that women farmers are sustaining Nigeria and their interest is not taken into consideration in national planning

Speaking on previous policies on agricultural development in Nigeria, Professor Adebooye stressed that the policies did not achieve their desired targets saying “because we neglected the key roles of the vibrant small-
holder, resource-poor and voiceless women farmers.

The sermon I am preaching is that Food Security in Nigeria will be a dream if we fail to factor the interest of women farmers, women sellers and women producers into our national policy.

“It appears that women farmers are sustaining us and we are not taking
care of their interests in our national planning. Indeed, I state unrepentantly that one of the reasons that the previous policies on agricultural development in Nigeria have not achieved their desired targets is because we neglect the KEY roles of the vibrant smallholder, resource-poor and voiceless women farmers.

Let women’s voice count in agriculture and you will see a turn-around in a short while” he suggested.

“The importance of women and the position they hold in our society cannot be downplayed. How our women manage to be wives, mothers, sisters, and professionals in their various fields of endeavour simultaneously baffles and intrigues me a lot.

“I see our women as superheroes, who deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged. I see the need to continue to motivate them and to always shield them against any form of vulnerability, abuse or harassment.

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Source: New Telegraph 

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