Miss Africa seeks more support for female farmers
By Ibukun Emiola
Miss Africa, Precious Okoye, has called on governments of African countries to increase their support for female farmers, who contribute to food production and preservation.
Okoye made the call in Saki, Oyo State, during the implementation of her pet project on Agro-Industrialisation where she empowered more than 30 female farmers with 50kg bags of fertiliser.
She said in recognition of the contribution of these women to farming, her pet project was to encourage local female farmers to keep up with agriculture.
She explained that they contribute immensely to the growth of the economy by helping to produce and preserve food.
“I am pleading with the government and private sector across Nigeria and Africa to support me on this project as I am looking at carrying out this project in six geo-political zones and in Africa.
“It is to enable female farmers to be more productive, save them time and energy and also get the job done.
“These women are going through so much and usually farm with their bare hands and we can make their lives better and also create more job opportunities for them.”
She urged the government to support women farmers with fertilizers and machinery that can make their lives easier.
“With these local farmers we can help our GDP and boost the economy for sustainability,” she said.
In his remarks, the Royal Father who received Okoye, the Okere of Saki, King Khalid Oyebisi, congratulated the beauty queen for emerging as Miss Africa.
“I think this is the first of its kind in Nigeria. I also want to commend her on her choice of pet project which is to assist female farmers.
“As we all know, Saki is known for farming for both males and females and this will boost the number of females that will go into farming if this kind of project is done yearly.
“We thank God for her life and her presence here will encourage other young girls to see her for the first time here, as Miss Africa in their domain.
“It will inspire them and make them work hard and aspire to be one in the future,” Oyebisi said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Aderemilekun Ojo, commended Okoye, adding that God will bless her as they can do much with what was given to them.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Miss Africa, Precious Onyinye Okoye, is a 27-year-old Botany graduate from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
