A new Urban Agriculture Training Programme has been introduced in Lagos State by the Presidency through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, in partnership with UNESCO REF and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Lagos State Chapter.
At the official unveiling of the programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, Yejide Ogundipe, emphasized that women engaged in farming play a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s food supply and deserve greater recognition and support.
She explained that the initiative is aimed at improving Lagos State’s agricultural ecosystem while equipping women with modern skills, sustainable farming practices, and access to financial opportunities. The programme, tagged “Seed of Empowerment: Growing Women in Lagos,” is structured to provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources required to succeed in urban agriculture.
Ogundipe further noted that the initiative is aligned with the National Agricultural Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) and is directly linked to the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund under the Produce for Lagos Programme, which was rolled out in July 2025.
Beneficiaries of the programme are assured of regular earnings every two to three weeks, a measure designed to translate training into real economic benefits and improved household stability.
According to the organizers, plans are already in place to scale up the programme in 2026, with a target of reaching at least 120,000 women across all local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
Speaking at the event, the President of UNESCO REF, Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, described the initiative as a pathway to empowerment rather than a charitable intervention. He noted that while philanthropy may offer short-term assistance, building capacity equips individuals with the skills needed for lasting financial independence and sustainable community development.
He added that the long-term vision is to replicate the programme beyond Lagos, extending its impact to women in all states of the country and strengthening Nigeria’s overall food system.
The Chairperson of POWA in Lagos State, Mrs. Risqat Jimoh, also highlighted the far-reaching impact of empowering women, stating that such initiatives reinforce family stability, community development, and food security within the state.
She disclosed that participants will be awarded Tier 2 certificates upon completion of the training. The certification, she said, not only acknowledges their participation but also provides subsidized access for their children to future agricultural programmes, ensuring that the benefits of the initiative span generations.
To enable immediate application of the skills acquired, participants were supplied with various seed varieties to begin practical farming activities. This approach ensures the programme delivers hands-on empowerment rather than remaining theoretical.
One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Abiola Sanni, described the initiative as a dependable additional source of income. She explained that as a serving corps member, the opportunity allows her to save money and plan ahead for life after her service year.
The programme is supported by several partner institutions, including the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), The Lichfield, Op3n Labs USA, Women’s Space USA, among others. The collaboration falls under UNESCO REF’s Strategic Intervention Programme – Alpha Category 2 Framework.
Organizers concluded that strengthening household income remains a key factor in crime reduction, positioning the initiative as both an economic empowerment scheme and a social development strategy.
