
L-R Dr. Umar A. Maina, A beneficiary (Mrs. Blessing), The Permanent Secretary (Mrs. Rosemary) and the Director of Livestock and Animal Husbandry Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akwa Ibom state during the flag-off ceremony.
The BATN Foundation (BATNF), in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government and implemented by Eco-Lead Imperial Engineering and Global Services Ltd., has successfully distributed 2,000 five-week-old Noiler chickens to 100 smallholder poultry farmers in Akwa Ibom State. Launched on December 15, 2024, at the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Project Premises (AKADEP), this initiative aims to empower rural farmers and enhance food security in the region.
Targeting vulnerable groups such as women—especially widows—youth, and individuals with
disabilities, the project provided each participating farmer with 20 Noiler birds, a 25kg bag of poultry
feed, and 150g of multivitamin sachets. This initiative not only seeks to create a sustainable source of
protein through egg and meat production but also aims to improve local chicken breeds via cross-mating
practices.
During the flag-off ceremony, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development, represented Honorable Commissioner Mr. Effiong Offor. She announced
transportation support of N5000 for each beneficiary, highlighting the state government’s commitment
to alleviating the challenges faced by farmers. “This initiative aligns perfectly with the ARISE agenda of
Governor Umo Eno, which aims to boost agricultural production in Akwa Ibom State,” she remarked.
Beneficiaries were selected through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development, the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Akwa Ibom State, and the Nigerian
Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), ensuring that support reached those most in need.
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the BATN Foundation, expressed pride in the initiative, stating,
“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. This
initiative represents a significant step in fostering economic empowerment among smallholder farmers
across the country. It also reflects our commitment to economic development and enhancing the lives
of individuals in the communities we serve.”
Teddy Essien, Director of Veterinary Services in Akwa Ibom State, commended the BATN Foundation for
the program, noting its potential to promote rural agriculture and improve local poultry species. He
encouraged beneficiaries to prioritize the health and productivity of the birds entrusted to them.
On his part, Mr. Namokwo Orok, Director of Livestock and Husbandry, emphasized that the project
aligns with the state government’s agricultural revolution agenda, stating, “This partnership is timely
and critical for the advancement of agricultural practices in our communities.”
Odusanya further disclosed that the main objectives of this poultry project included enhancing food
security and nutrition by providing a sustainable protein source for local communities, equipping
women with practical skills for poultry production, and fostering gender equality and social inclusion.
The initiative, he added, aimed to empower women and youth, creating equal opportunities in
agriculture while improving livelihoods and income-generating prospects for rural women.
He added that the BATN Foundation remains committed to supporting sustainable agricultural practices
and improving the livelihoods of rural communities across Nigeria saying this initiative represents a
significant step toward achieving these goals and fostering economic empowerment among the
country’s smallholder farmers.