Why Women Farmers, Sellers, Producers’ Interest Must Be Factored Into Nat’l Policy-UNIOSUN VC

As food prices continue to skyrocket in Nigeria, Vice Chancellor of the Osun State University, Professor Odundayo
Clement Adeboye, said the most populous African country can only be freed from this challenge only if interest of women farmers, women sellers and women producers is factor into
national policy.

Professor Adeboye disclosed this on Thursday during the maiden Osun State University 2023 Women’s Day Celebration, held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Uditorium, Osogbo main campus.

The Vice-chancellor noted that it appears that women farmers are sustaining Nigeria and their interest is not taken into consideration in national planning

Speaking on previous policies on agricultural development in Nigeria, Professor Adebooye stressed that the policies did not achieved their desired targets saying “because we neglected the key roles of the vibrant small-
holder, resource poor and voiceless women farmers.

“Let women voice count in
agriculture and you will see a turn-around in a short-while” he suggested.

“I see our women as super heroes,
who deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged. I see the need to continue to motivate them and to always shield them against any form of vulnerability, abuses or harassment.

“I see the need for increased empowerment for women through sound all-tier education and skill acquisition” the VC said.

Also, in her lecture delivered on the Theme “Embracing Equity” Professor Olabisi Aina emphasized the need for men to allow women achieve their potential.

The professor of Sociology insisted that women are not competing with men but they needed to be given equal opportunity to strive.