Introduction
In furtherance of the national rollout of the Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) flagship program, Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun, UNESCO REF YWA National Advocate and President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), led a distinguished UNESCO REF delegation on a working visit to the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke. The visit underscored the program’s strategic role in empowering women and youth, strengthening food security, and advancing sustainable development across Nigeria.
Purpose of the Visit
The delegation’s engagement with the Governor was designed to:
- Present the objectives and transformative scope of the YWA initiative.
- Explore Osun State’s active participation and leadership in program implementation.
- Strengthen institutional partnerships for grassroots delivery.
- Highlight alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Key Highlights
- Governor’s Commitment: H.E. Senator Adeleke reaffirmed Osun State’s readiness to collaborate with UNESCO REF and POWA in advancing agricultural empowerment for women and youth.
- Program Benefits: The delegation emphasized structured income opportunities, job creation, and international certification for participants.
- Strategic Alignment: Discussions highlighted how the initiative directly addresses poverty reduction, gender equality, and food security challenges in Osun State.
- Collaborative Pathways: Both parties agreed to establish a joint working framework to ensure effective rollout of the program in the state.
Diplomatic Significance
The presence of Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun as UNESCO REF YWA National Advocate and POWA President reinforced the program’s gender‑inclusive vision and symbolized the collective resolve of women leaders to champion agricultural transformation. The visit demonstrated UNESCO REF’s commitment to engaging state leadership at the highest level, ensuring that the initiative is both nationally owned and globally aligned.
Conclusion
The working visit to Osun State marks a significant milestone in the nationwide rollout of the Young Women in Agriculture initiative. By securing the support of Governor Adeleke and his administration, UNESCO REF and POWA strengthen their resolve to empower women and youth, enhance food security, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio‑economic development. Read Full Exclusive Story on Media Centre