From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A Philanthropist, Mrs Sophie Uzodimma Onovo has launched VOWE Foundation for empowerment of women in agriculture in the states of the south east geopolitical zone in Nigeria.
Mrs Sophie Uzodimma Onovo disclosed that the commissioning of the VOWE Agricultural Scheme in Nkerefi Community of Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu state is in commemoration of the year 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration which is celebrated on 8th of March annually.
Sophie Uzodimma Onovo who is the Founder and Chairperson, Board of Trustee of VOWE Foundation, while launching the scheme, called on Nigerians to invest heavily on empowerment of women in agriculture to ensure food security across the country.
According to Sophie Uzodimma Onovo, “The VOWE Foundation Women Agricultural Scheme targets 2,000 women farmers in Nkanu senatorial district that is 1,000 women farmers in Nkanu East and West LGAs respectively.
“Each of these 1,000 women farmers will receive simple farming tools, 1 Herbicides, 1 pesticides and 1 bag of organic manure.
“The scheme is also aimed at supporting women farmers in specific areas of needs towards improving crop production in the south east, Nigeria to ensure food sufficiency in the zone”
During the launch of the pilot phase of the VOWE Foundation Agriculture Scheme 100 women received knapsack sprayers, simple farming tools, herbicides, pesticide and organic manure that will enable each of the women beneficiaries cultivate 1 acre of land to yield productively.
Also 2 women received wheel barrows and 4 women received a Garri frying pan.
The women beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Mrs Sophie Uzodimma Onovo, Founder and Chairperson Board of Trustee VOWE Foundation.