The Nigerian government has been called upon to support grassroots agricultural development to boost harvests and strengthen food security for citizens. This appeal was made by Hajia Saadatu Adamu Bokane, National Coordinator of New Dawn for Women and Community Intervention Initiative (NEWOMCII), a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering women and youth.
During a courtesy visit, Bokane, accompanied by National Secretary Mrs. Chinwe Osuji, stated that the nation's economy could improve if efforts are redirected toward empowering women in agriculture, art, craft, and creativity. She highlighted the organization's upcoming National Launch and Book Unveiling program scheduled for April 28.
NEWOMCII was motivated by the visible gap between rural women's potential and their lack of opportunities, limited access to resources, and poor information base. Founded months ago by Alhaji Bolaji Raji, the NGO is becoming a household name through empowerment and social interventions in the Federal Capital Territory, chosen for its pilot project.
Bokane noted that Raji, who grew up among female relatives, acknowledges women's societal roles and oriented the NGO toward women because they are result-oriented. NEWOMCII focuses on agriculture, art, craft, and creativity—sectors that have been neglected. She emphasized that Nigeria should diversify into art and craft, tapping into UNESCO funds for cultural promotion.
Rural women contribute significantly to the national economy through arts and crafts but lack access to facilities for mass production, finishing, promotion, and marketing. NEWOMCII has touched five Area Councils in the FCT. In Bwari Area Council, 45 women, including 20 widows, received equipment for rice and corn processing. This was the first intervention in the area since they started farming. Within ten days, the NGO supplied necessary implements, and monitoring teams later observed improved harvests and even loaning of equipment to neighboring farmers.
In Karu, women were empowered with modern facilities to ease art and craft work. Despite being operational for less than a year, NEWOMCII has impacted many communities and aims to go nationwide soon.
