In a strategic move to strengthen urban agriculture and empower women, the Presidency of Nigeria, in partnership with the UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF) and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Lagos State Chapter, has launched a bespoke Urban Agriculture Training Programme in Lagos State.

The initiative, themed “Seed of Empowerment: Growing Women in Lagos”, is designed to equip women with practical skills in urban farming, promote sustainability, and enhance financial inclusion. Participants are expected to generate income every two to three weeks, transforming training into a sustainable livelihood opportunity.

Speaking at the launch, Yejide Ogundipe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, emphasized that the programme is a strategic empowerment initiative, aimed at helping women achieve economic independence through agricultural innovation. Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of UNESCO REF, highlighted that capacity building is key to long-term community transformation.

The programme aligns with the National Agricultural Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) and complements the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund under the Lagos Produce for Lagos Programme launched earlier this year. Organizers plan to expand the programme in 2026 to reach approximately 120,000 women across all local government areas and LCDAs in Lagos State.

This initiative forms part of broader federal efforts to empower women and youth through agriculture, strengthen food security, and stimulate inclusive economic growth across Nigeria. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.