A Non-Governmental Organisation, Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), has engaged and empowered rural women with palm oil processing, gari production, and other agro-food enterprises skills with digital literacy and A1 technology.

This, the group said would go a long way of increasing the nation’s food productivity, incomes and market accessibility by the people.

A statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara state capital by the group on the sideline of the initiative signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Alhaji Rafiu Akinpelu, said the initiative has achieved international recognition following the publication of its flagship initiative, “Digital Capacity Building and AI Integration for Rural Women Agribusiness Processors in Nigeria” on the South-South Galaxy Platform of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

Olaore added that the initiative was recognised by the UN agency as a scalable development solution that leverages digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship, and agro-food enterprise development to empower rural women and girls and strengthen local food systems.

He said: “the initiative was Implemented across underserved communities in Osun State and South-West Nigeria,” describing the recognition as a validation of locally driven solutions to global development challenges.

According to him, the initiative demonstrates how technology and innovation can be deployed to address poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, and food insecurity in rural communities.

“The recognition by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation reinforces our belief that locally designed and community-driven solutions can contribute meaningfully to global development priorities.

“Our experience shows that when rural women are provided with digital skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to productive resources, they become powerful drivers of economic growth, food security, and community resilience.

“The initiative gained international visibility following its presentation during an official session organised by YEDIS at the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF) held in Washington, D.C., in April 2026.

“The session, titled: “Examining How Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture Create Jobs in Developing Countries,” explored practical approaches to leveraging emerging technologies for employment creation and inclusive growth in developing economies”, he stated.

According to him: “the subsequent implementation of the initiative reflects its commitment to translating global policy discussions into measurable grassroots impact.”

He said that the programme contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, zero hunger, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, innovation, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for sustainable development.

He further called on government institutions, development partners, private sector organisations, and philanthropic institutions to partner with YEDIS in scaling the initiative across Osun State, Nigeria, and other parts of Africa.

According to him, expanding access to digital skills, artificial intelligence, and modern agro-processing technologies among rural women represents a significant opportunity to advance inclusive economic growth, create jobs, and improve food security across developing regions.