Nigeria has entered a strategic agricultural partnership with the City of Atlanta in the United States to cultivate and export sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, as announced by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. The initiative, led by Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, focuses on empowering women-owned businesses, creating jobs, and bolstering Nigeria’s economy.

To support the venture, the Ministry has secured land across various dams in the country for the cultivation of these high-demand crops. Profits from the project will be distributed among the participating women entrepreneurs, promising a significant boost to their livelihoods.

The cultivation of sunflower and jatropha curcas is expected to thrive in Nigeria’s favorable climate. While sunflowers take over seven months to mature in Europe, they reach full growth in just 10 to 13 weeks in Nigeria. Similarly, jatropha curcas, known for thriving in arid regions, can be harvested in eight months locally, as opposed to the 18-month timeline required in Europe and America.

This partnership marks a step towards women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria, with the potential to enhance the nation’s Gross Domestic Product through agricultural exports. The Minister has called on Nigerians to embrace this opportunity and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.