News in brief:
– Kwara Anglican Diocese launches a major cassava and maize farm to address food security in Nigeria.
– The church’s initiative aims to create jobs, support the community, and encourage youth empowerment through agriculture.
In response to Nigeria’s growing food security concerns, the Kwara Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has initiated a large-scale farming project. This multi-million naira venture, aimed at reducing food scarcity and promoting food sufficiency, was announced by Bishop Rt. Revd Sunday Adewole on Wednesday in Ilorin as part of the Diocese’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.
The project will focus primarily on cultivating cassava and maize across 25 hectares, with planting scheduled to begin next season. Bishop Adewole emphasised the role of this project in creating job opportunities for youths and providing economic support to church members and the broader community. A church member’s donation of 500 bags of fertiliser has provided a boost to the venture, ensuring initial needs are met and laying the groundwork for future expansion.
The agricultural project is part of a broader initiative by the Kwara Diocese, which also includes a plan to build a multi-million naira 3,500-capacity event hall in Ilorin by 2025. Additionally, the church is upgrading a women’s skill acquisition centre, equipping it with necessary tools, financial resources, and small business spaces, underscoring its commitment to empowering the community and supporting economic resilience.
In discussing Nigeria’s challenges, Bishop Adewole highlighted the importance of both leadership and followership in addressing social and political issues, urging greater responsibility from the entire population to achieve national progress.
