By Abdullahi Lukman
The BATN Foundation (BATNF) have jointly empowered 100 poultry farmers in the state with 2,000 five-week-old Noiler chickens to grow their businesses and boost food security.
The initiative is implemented by Eco-Lead Imperial Engineering and Global Services Ltd.
The project, which officially began on December 15, 2024, at the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Project (AKADEP) premises.
The initiative is designed to empower vulnerable groups, including women, especially widows, youth, and people with disabilities, by providing them with a sustainable source of income and improving local food security.
Each of the 100 selected beneficiaries received 20 Noiler chickens, a 25kg bag of poultry feed, and a 150g sachet of multivitamins to ensure the birds’ health and productivity.
These chickens, which are known for their resilience and high egg production, will help improve local poultry stock through cross-breeding efforts, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of the local chicken breeds in the region.
During the initiative’s flag-off, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, the Permanent Secretary of Ajwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted the importance of this initiative for the state’s agricultural development, particularly in the context of the ARISE (Agricultural Revolution, Industrialization, Sustainable Energy, and Education) agenda of the state.
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“This initiative aligns perfectly with the ARISE agenda, which aims to improve agricultural production in Akwa Ibom State, boost food security, and create sustainable livelihoods for rural families,” Mrs. Ubia remarked.
As part of the government’s support, each beneficiary also received N5,000 for transportation to ease the logistical challenges of getting the chickens and feed to their farms.
The transportation subsidy is a clear demonstration of the state government’s commitment to addressing the numerous challenges faced by smallholder farmers and ensuring the success of such agricultural initiatives.
The beneficiaries, who were carefully selected through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Akwa Ibom, and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), represent some of the most vulnerable farmers in the region.
This selection process ensures that those who need the support the most are reached, making the program a targeted intervention aimed at boosting rural development.
In his address, Oludare Odusanya, the General Manager of the BATN Foundation, expressed the organization’s pride in being part of such the project.
He explained that one of the primary goal of the project is to provide a long-term solution to food insecurity by creating a reliable source of protein through egg and meat production as well as promote gender equality by empowering women, particularly in rural areas, with the skills needed to manage poultry farms.
Mr. Namokwo Orok, the Director of Livestock and Husbandry in Akwa Ibom State, praised the collaboration, saying, “This project comes at a critical time as we continue to push for agricultural reforms and improvements in rural communities.
“It will not only help improve food security but also create new opportunities for farmers, particularly in terms of income generation and self-sufficiency.”
