June 18, (THEWILL) – The First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, has launched a coffee planting project in Odukpani Local Government Area, aimed at empowering women and boosting their economic prospects. At least 3,000 women in the area will benefit from subsidised coffee seedlings, sold at N300 each.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Grace Egwu, described the project as a testament to the First Lady’s commitment to enriching Odukpani women.
The initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, is expected to alleviate poverty, create jobs, and increase farmers’ income.
Odukpani Local Government Chairman, Etim Asido, pledged to support the initiative by facilitating payment for 3,000 women.
The state government recently unveiled a 7-Year Strategic Cocoa and Coffee Development Plan, prioritising smallholder farmers’ empowerment.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting women and youth through agribusiness training, inclusive finance, and land access.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
