The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has urged women in Ebonyi State to support their families and contribute to the overall development of society.
The State Programme Coordinator (SPC) of VCDP, Chief Sunday Ituma, made the call on Friday in Abakaliki during the celebration of International Women’s Day organized for women networks participating in the programme.
Ituma urged the women to intensify efforts toward building a better society by engaging in economic activities and supporting their husbands at home.
“You should also play active roles in promoting women’s rights, justice and empowerment for the female folk.
“You should also work harder to attain positions of authority, especially with the current call for greater participation of women in politics,” he said.
He commended the women, drawn from the eight participating local government areas of the state, for their exhibition of various nutritional items, march-past and other activities at the event.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku, also commended the women for their resilience in empowering themselves and supporting their families.
Iyioku, who was represented by the Head of Department, Livestock, in the ministry, Mrs Ngozi Anosike, said she was impressed by how the women showcased nutritious food items during the exhibition.
“The food items contain protein, vitamins and other nutrients, which supports the call for Nigerians to return to natural foods.
“We currently consume a lot of junk food, and this has adverse effects on our health,” she said.
She urged the women to further strengthen their economic capacity, noting that the era when women stayed indoors while men alone provided for their families had passed.
Mrs Francisca Anya, the Rural Institutions, Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Officer of Ebonyi VCDP, said the women produced the food items under the programme’s tutelage.
Anya said the items included garri, cassava products, vegetables and local delicacies such as soups, among other natural foods.
“VCDP will continue to appreciate the role of women in supporting their families and will keep enlightening them on ways to improve their economic capacity,” she said.
