The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has launched a women empowerment initiative, distributing five-week-old broiler birds to 200 women in Zamfara State.
The project aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing rural livelihoods and alleviate poverty within the community.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hurriya Dauda Lawal; Commissioner of Agriculture, Ya’u Haruna Gamji; the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture; Oludare Odusanya, the General Manager of BATN Foundation; and other officials.
BATNF’s efforts reflect its commitment to empowering rural women and fostering community resilience through sustainable agriculture. Each beneficiary received 20 broiler birds, a bag of specially formulated feed, and essential multivitamins to support poultry farming.
The project, implemented by Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Limited, goes beyond distribution but also equipping women with tools to establish profitable businesses.
In her address, Lawal praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of empowering women to drive change.
She said: “The women of Zamfara are the heart of our communities and empowering them means empowering the future of our state. With this support, we are not just giving them birds and feed; we are giving them the tools to rebuild and strengthen their livelihoods despite the challenges we face. I thank BATNF for recognizing the potential of our women and investing in their growth.”
Similarly, Gamji emphasised the significance of the project for the state’s agricultural development.
He said: “This initiative is a vital step towards sustainable food security and economic empowerment in Zamfara. By investing in women, we are creating a ripple effect that will touch families, communities, and ultimately transform our state. We appreciate the impactful work of the BATN Foundation and look forward to continued collaboration to scale up and transform the lives in our communities.”
Zamfara State Government, through the office of the First Lady, reaffirms its commitment to empowering women and promoting agricultural development, building on the success of the project from BATNF which has empowered women farmers in the community and across the nation.
Speaking at the event, Odusanya emphasised the transformative potential of the initiative.
He said: “It is an honour to be here today to implement a project designed to empower women and enhance rural livelihoods in our beloved state. We firmly believe that, by investing in resilient and enterprising women, we are planting the seeds for a brighter and more prosperous future for all in Zamfara State.
“Poultry farming has emerged as a transformative enterprise, providing not only a sustainable income but also advancing food security and strengthening community cohesion. Our goal is to equip these women with the tools and knowledge to establish successful businesses that will benefit the broader community.”
Odusanya reaffirmed BATNF’s commitment to the sustainability of the project by promising continuous support, including training and awareness programs, to ensure the long-term success of the beneficiaries.
“At BATN Foundation, we believe that empowering farmers- women is crucial to building resilient communities. Since its inception in 2002, BATN Foundation has invested over 4 billion Naira in agricultural programs, supporting smallholder farmers across Nigeria. To date, the foundation has reached 1.3 million beneficiaries, with a target to double that number in the next decade by scaling up support for rural farmers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Looking ahead, the foundation is committed to doubling its impact over the next decade by scaling up its support for rural farmers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“This ambitious goal involves expanding outreach programs, increasing funding, and establishing strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders to enhance the delivery and sustainability of agricultural interventions. BATNF will also place particular emphasis on empowering women and youth, recognising these groups as key drivers of long-term agricultural growth and rural economic development. The Foundation calls for collaboration with likeminded organisations to expand its reach and make a lasting difference,” he stressed.
By Ajibola Adedoye
