Anambra Women Affairs Commissioner, Onyekesi Challenges Women to Turn Agriculture Into Economic Power
By Blessing Dennis
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Esther Onyekesi, has challenged women across the state to embrace agriculture as a pathway to economic independence, self reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
Onyekesi gave the charge in Awka during the flag off of the 2026 International Year for Women Farmers, organised by the Federal Government and Anambra State Government through the IFAD Assisted Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP AF, under the State Ministry of Agriculture.
The programme, held at the Agricultural Development Programme, ADP, Complex, Awka, brought together women farmers, government officials and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
With the theme, “Investing in Women Agrifood Systems and Securing the Future for Resilience,” the event focused on the need to increase investment in women farmers and expand their participation across the agricultural value chain.
The Commissioner said agriculture offers women an opportunity to improve their livelihoods, strengthen their financial independence and make greater contributions to the economic development of Anambra State.
Onyekesi, who reaffirmed her commitment to women empowerment, commended the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for her inclusive approach to advancing women’s empowerment and improving the welfare of women across the state.
She also appreciated the Federal Government, Anambra State Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, for prioritising women in agricultural value chain development.
The Commissioner urged women farmers to take advantage of available opportunities in agriculture, stressing that moving beyond subsistence farming into the wider value chain could open new avenues for income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
She assured women of the continued support of the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and the Anambra State Government towards building a more resilient, inclusive and productive agricultural sector.
