In a bid to enhance food security and empower rural farmers, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, BATN Foundation (BATNF) has collaborated with the Akwa Ibom state government to distribute 2,000 five-week-old Noiler chickens to 100 smallholder poultry farmers. This initiative, launched on December 15, 2024, at the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Project Premises (AKADEP), aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve the livelihoods of rural communities in the region.
Each participating farmer received 20 Noiler birds, a 25kg bag of poultry feed, and 150g of multivitamin sachets. The project specifically targets vulnerable groups, including women, especially widows, youth, and individuals with disabilities. According to Rosemary Ubia, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, this initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda, which aims to boost agricultural production in Akwa Ibom State. “This initiative aligns perfectly with the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which aims to boost agricultural production in Akwa Ibom State,” she remarked. The state government has also provided transportation support of N5000 for each beneficiary
The BATN Foundation’s General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, expressed pride in the initiative, stating that it addresses immediate food security needs while empowering local farmers. “We are proud to support this project, which addresses immediate food security needs while empowering local farmers with the tools and resources necessary for sustainable livelihoods.”
