GROUP OF NGOs SEEK FUNDING TO CULTIVATE 150,000 HECTARES, EMPOWER 1,000 YOUTHS & WOMEN

REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO

A Director General of many reputable Non Governmental Organizations, Mr Jonathan Okwudiri has encouraged Nigerians to invest more in agriculture for their economic wellbeing and that of the country. 

Mr. Okwudiri stated this during a media briefing in Enugu, highlighting the activities of his Non Governmental Organizations — Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF), Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF), and Young Women Rise Empowerment Initiative (YWREI).

According to Me. Okwudiri, the three Organizations are dedicated to empowering women and youth, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing poverty in Nigeria.

Mr. Okwudiri stated that with a membership strength of over 1,000,000 (one million) people, comprising women and youth from the 774 Local Government Areas across the 36 states of the country, including Abuja, these organizations successfully trained over 1,000 women and youth, including persons with disability in various skills.

He further stated that they had registered the Royal Ambassadors Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited in major states across the six geo-political zones of the country and acquired over 150,000 hectares of farmland across states of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Delta and Abuja.

He, however, noted that they were equally seeking funding and sponsorship from agencies, governments and financial institutions.

This, he explained, is to achieve their 2025 and beyond target of Sustainable Agricultural Farming and Food Security, with the cultivation of 150,000 hectares of land using mechanized agriculture.

Mr. Okwudiri equally stated that they are seeking financial assistance to host the 5-day Royal Ambassadors Gathering week in Abuja, that has the theme: “Building Global Partnership for Sustainable Impact, Innovations and Development.”

Other areas of support the organizations seek from government and agencies, include empowering 1,000 women and youth with tools, materials and equipment to commence operations in their businesses.

These include purchase of laptops, generators, photocopying machines, scanners, desktops and computers, as well as seedlings for farming.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU