Ibadan, Nigeria – May 19, 2025
In a groundbreaking meeting held on Monday, May 12, 2025, the AfriWomen for Entrepreneurship Initiative (AfriWomen) and the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) agreed to pursue a collaborative partnership aimed at promoting food security, strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, and empowering women and youth through agribusiness.
The meeting, which took place at the NIHORT headquarters in Ibadan, was a resounding success, positioning AfriWomen as the go-to NGO for strategic collaboration in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. The organization is led by Adebukola Oso, a dynamic lawyer, entrepreneur, and PhD law researcher whose work focuses on Women-led MSMEs as a Panacea for Poverty Alleviation and Food Security in Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Adebukola Oso, Founder and CEO of AfriWomen, emphasized the importance of gender inclusive agricultural policy and practice: “Empirical studies show that women contribute between 70–80% of Nigeria’s agricultural labour force, yet they remain underserved in terms of access to land, finance, and markets. Through AfriWomen, we have directly supported over 3,500 women and youth in agribusiness including poultry, cassava processing, and fish farming empowering them to become value chain drivers in their communities.”
During the strategic dialogue, Dr. Adeoye, Head of the Farming Systems and Extension Division at NIHORT, welcomed AfriWomen’s vision: “We are excited about this collaboration. Our new cold room storage facilities will soon be operational, helping smallholder farmers, especially women reduce post-harvest losses and increase profits. AfriWomen’s reach and impact will ensure these technologies get to the right hands.”
Dr. Adewale, Head of Programmes at NIHORT, emphasized the institute’s dedication to youth and capacity development: “We’re currently rolling out a 9-month free training programme for young Nigerians interested in farming extension. Partnering with AfriWomen enables us to reach more communities and empower the next generation of agripreneurs.”
Dr. M.V. David, NIHORT’s Head of Administration, applauded the visit: “We are glad to welcome AfriWomen. This meeting has set a tone for impactful, grassroots-focused partnerships. We look forward to co-creating solutions that matter.”
Barrister Adedimeji, NIHORT’s Legal Advisor, confirmed that the legal framework for collaboration is underway: “A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being drafted. It will outline structured areas of cooperation in research, training, innovation, and rural outreach.”
AfriWomen’s programs maintain a diversity and inclusion ratio of 80% women and girls to 20% men and boys. Interestingly, the male participation rate continues to grow due to popular demand, a result of the visible impact AfriWomen’s initiatives have had on families and communities. Men, witnessing the transformation in their wives, sisters, and daughters, have increasingly expressed interest in joining the empowerment movement.
“We didn’t set out to exclude men,” Adebukola Oso explained. “But our priority has always been to bridge the gender gap in economic empowerment. The 20% inclusion of boys and men is driven by the reality that empowered women uplift entire households and many men now want to be part of that transformation.”
Both organizations are currently finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will institutionalize their collaboration in the areas of:
– Agribusiness training and mentorship
– Value addition and market access for women-led agribusinesses
– Community outreach and rural empowerment
– Research and policy support for women in agriculture
NIHORT has confirmed its attendance at AfriWomen’s International MSME Day Celebration scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to mark the United Nations MSME Day observed globally on Friday, June 27. The event will highlight the power of micro, small, and medium enterprises in transforming economies especially when women and youth are placed at the center.
AfriWomen is a frontline non-governmental organization focused on empowering women and youth through entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture, agribusiness, and trade. Founded by Adebukola Oso, the NGO champions access to finance, cooperative structures, training, innovation, and market linkages for women-led MSMEs across Nigeria. AfriWomen is renowned for its evidence-based, community-centered approach to economic development.
NIHORT is Nigeria’s leading horticultural research institute under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. With expertise in the development of fruits, vegetables, spices, and ornamentals, the institute provides innovation and training that strengthen food systems, drive economic growth, and reduce rural poverty.
Media Contact:
AfriWomen for Entrepreneurship Initiative
19 Okunola Abass Street, New Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State
Phone: 07025675635
Email: info@theafriwomen.org
Website: www.theafriwomen.org
Issued by:
AfriWomen Media & Strategic Communications Team
“Empowering Women, Transforming Communities.”