Osun Govt, Springtime Foundation Empower Women With Farming Grant

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

The Springtime Development Foundation (SDF) and Veronica Adeleke Empowerment, in collaboration with Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs, have trained no fewer than 500 women across 30 local government areas of the state on domestic farming, and entrepreneur skill.

This is as even the state government rolled out N50,000 grant to support the beneficiaries.

The empowerment programme which was held at Springtime Foundation headquarters, Ede, on Thursday, designed to teach women on how to farm conveniently in their own compounds.

The Chairman of Springtime Development Foundation, Dr Deji Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Banji Adesuyi, disclosed that the empowerment programme was packaged under the Veronica Adeleke Women Empowerment targeted at making women economically independent.

“This women empowerment scheme is the first of its kind in the state and participants were drawn from the 30 Local Government Councils and the Area office. In all we have 500 participants for this phase after which other women groups would be given the opportunity. Our target is 1, 000 women and we will definitely reach the number.

Some of the training the women went through, include, organic compound farming in vegetable, coco yam, snail breading and poultry farming”, he added.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Hon. Ayobola Awolowo, commended Governor Adeleke for his commitment to empower women and fostering development in the state.

Awolowo emphasized that the initiative would enable women to sustain themselves and their businesses, contributing to economic independence.

However, Chairperson of Atakumosa West,
Hon. Mrs. Dada Bukola praised the governor’s dedication to the people of Osun, particularly women, and commended the organizers for their efforts.

She highlighted the initiative’s potential to create lasting impacts by enabling women to stand on their own.

Mrs. Aroke Oluwakemi, wife of the Chairman of Ife South Local Government, also expressed appreciation for the program, noting its role as a vital support system for women, especially those with limited resources.

“This initiative really supports and serves as a backup for the beneficiaries, especially people that have nothing to do. This will also support some businesses,” she said.

Adeyeni Aderonke Deborah, a beneficiary from Ilesa West Local Government, expressed gratitude to Governor Adeleke and the Springtime Development Foundation. She noted that the training provided through the program equips women to farm independently, reducing reliance on others for survival

“With this program, we were taught how to farm in our compound. We therefore henceforth won’t depend on anyone for survival,” she stated.