The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), in partnership with development organizations, has inaugurated a cassava processing facility in Kwali Area Council to boost rural women’s productivity and economic opportunities.
The facility, established for members of the Akpu Women Cassava Processing Association, was developed through collaboration with UN Women Nigeria, TY Danjuma Foundation, ATRED Foundation, and the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.
Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday, MBNCWD Director-General, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, described the project as a practical intervention addressing challenges faced by rural women processors who spend long hours on labor-intensive cassava processing.
She stated that the facility would enhance productivity, reduce drudgery, and increase income-generating opportunities for women, reflecting the commitment of the government and development partners to promoting women’s economic empowerment nationwide.
“Today, I return not merely as a guest of honor, but as a witness to a promise made, a partnership nurtured, and a vision fulfilled,” Benjamins-Laniyi said.
The director-general recalled meeting members of the association when she was serving as the pioneer Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, where they highlighted production challenges and aspirations for sustainable enterprise development.
According to her, the women’s determination inspired support efforts for the initiative, which aims to strengthen livelihoods while recognizing women as key drivers of food security and development.
UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, said the facility would reduce manual processing burdens, improve operational efficiency, and enable beneficiaries to pursue additional income-generating activities.
Eyong emphasized the importance of investing in rural women’s economic empowerment, noting that increased productivity would boost household incomes and encourage broader economic participation within communities.
Also speaking, Chairperson of TY Danjuma Foundation, Ms. Hannatu Gentles, described the facility as a transformative investment capable of improving productivity, increasing household incomes, and supporting local economic growth.
Chairman of ATRED Foundation, Mrs. Victory Akachukwu, represented by Ada Chukwumere, a foundation director, stated that over 500 women are expected to benefit directly from the intervention and related economic opportunities.
The event featured the commissioning of the processing facility, group photographs, and courtesy visits to traditional rulers, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the cassava value chain.
