From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Palm Valley Nigeria Limited (PVNL) has partnered with the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) to distribute in-kind startup grants to farmers and businesswomen in Kaduna as part of the WOFAN ICON 2 project.
The project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, aims to support 675,000 community partners across ten states and the FCT, with PVNL focusing on 65,000 partners in Kaduna, Benue, and Nasarawa states.
The grants include wheelchairs and tricycles for persons living with disabilities, food coolers, umbrellas, and bags of rice for women farmers and marketers.
CEO of PVNL, Ezekiel Z. Jatau, said the initiative is a critical step towards sustainable livelihoods and an inclusive economy in which women, youth, and persons with disabilities can thrive.
Executive Chair of WOFAN, Haj. Dr. Salamatu Garba stressed that food security is not just about availability, but also accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.
Beneficiaries, including Peace Emmanuel and Salisu Muhammad, expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying it will help scale their businesses and ease transportation challenges.
PVNL warned of the mismanagement of resources, urging community leaders and stakeholders to assist in curbing the diversion of inputs. Initiative.
