The BATN Foundation, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government, has distributed 2,000 Noiler chickens to 100 smallholder farmers in the state as part of efforts to boost food security and empower rural communities.
According to a statement, the project launched in 2024, at the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Project premises, targeted vulnerable groups, including women—particularly widows—youth, and people with disabilities.
Each beneficiary received 20 five-week-old Noiler chickens, a 25kg bag of poultry feed, and a 150g multivitamin sachet to ensure the health and productivity of the birds.
Speaking during the launch, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Rosemary Ubia, who represented the Commissioner, Effiong Offor, noted the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which aims to boost agricultural production in Akwa Ibom State,” Ubia said, adding that beneficiaries were provided with N5,000 for transportation.
The BATN Foundation’s General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, highlighted the significance of the project in addressing food security and empowering smallholder farmers.
“This initiative represents a significant step in fostering economic empowerment among smallholder farmers across the country. It reflects our commitment to economic development and enhancing the lives of individuals in the communities we serve,” Odusanya noted.
The foundation selected beneficiaries through a collaboration involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association.
The partnership ensured that those most in need received the resources to establish sustainable poultry farming practices.
Director of Veterinary Services in Akwa Ibom State, Teddy Essien, commended the program, describing it as a boost for rural agriculture and a means of improving local poultry breeds.
“This project has the potential to transform rural farming practices and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,” Essien asserted, urging beneficiaries to prioritise the well-being of the birds.
Further, the Director of Livestock and Husbandry, Namokwo Orok, emphasised the program’s alignment with the state government’s agricultural revolution agenda.
Orok described the partnership as “timely and critical for advancing agricultural practices in our communities.”
Odusanya further explained that the project focuses on providing sustainable protein sources, improving nutrition, and fostering gender equality by equipping women with practical poultry farming skills.
“This initiative empowers women and youth, creating equal opportunities in agriculture while improving livelihoods and income-generating prospects for rural communities,” he added.
The poultry project was implemented by Eco-Lead Imperial Engineering and Global Services Ltd.
