Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation distributes fertilisers to Anambra women farmers

The Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation has distributed over 1,000 bags of 50kg fertiliser and 600 sewing machines to women cooperative farmers and youths in Anambra State. This initiative is part of the foundation’s efforts to enhance food production and achieve food sufficiency in the state.

Founded by Anambra-born philanthropist and two-time All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, John Bosco Onunkwo, the foundation aims to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in addressing the food crisis in Nigeria. The distribution exercise took place in Awka on Wednesday.

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In his speech, Emmanuel Ifediata, the media spokesperson and admin of the Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation, noted that this initiative represents the third phase of the foundation’s women empowerment scheme. The scheme is dedicated to supporting the Ministry of Women Affairs in achieving Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Ifediata highlighted the crucial roles women play in nation-building, lamenting that many women still face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. The foundation’s women empowerment scheme focuses on providing comprehensive support, equipping women with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

“We are committed to creating an environment where every woman can contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth and prosperity. This aligns seamlessly with the President’s human capital development agenda, which recognises that investing in women is investing in the future of our country,” Ifediata said.

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He elaborated on the foundation’s multi-faceted approach to empowerment, which includes agriculture, vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and leadership development. The initiative aims to ensure that the nation achieves economic stability and sustainability in all sectors of the economy by first addressing food security.

In April, the Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation distributed truckloads of free yam seedlings to cooperative farmers, women, and youths in Anambra State. This was followed by the recent distribution of over 1,000 bags of 50kg fertiliser, part of the foundation’s 2024 agricultural programme. The programme started in April with the distribution of yam seedlings to various farmers’ groups and women across the state.

“We are confident that this will support the APC government of President Tinubu to check the food crisis by boosting food production. The fertiliser distribution will be followed by the distribution of sewing and grinding machines to women in the state, helping to alleviate their hardship and equip them with sustainable means of income,” Ifediata added.

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The foundation expressed deep appreciation to its donor and founder, John Bosco Onunkwo, for his consistent interventions in human capital development in Anambra State since 2016. Onunkwo is praised as a humanitarian with a large heart, encouraging productivity to enhance the welfare of the people at large.

Ifediata also noted the political implications of Anambra State playing opposition politics, but acknowledged that dedicated party members like Onunkwo have continued to sustain the party’s presence in the state through philanthropic efforts, even without direct rewards.

The foundation’s programmes are inclusive and far-reaching, developed through partnerships with various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, private sector entities, and community organisations. Collaborations with the Ministry of Women Affairs have been instrumental in the success of these initiatives.

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“We are aligning our efforts with national policies, sharing best practices, and leveraging limited personal resources to maximise our impact,” Ifediata explained. He urged beneficiaries to continue supporting the APC leadership of President Bola Tinubu and ensure the party’s success in future elections in Anambra State.

Since the inception of the women empowerment scheme, the foundation has reached over 1,768 women across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State. These women are now better equipped to contribute to their families, communities, and the nation at large, showcasing the transformative power of empowerment.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and supporters, especially the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, who has pledged to partner with our charity organisation to improve the social condition of women in our state. Your unwavering commitment is the driving force behind our mission,” Ifediata concluded.