BATN Foundation empowers 100 A’Ibom women with Noilier birds, feed

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation has distributed Noiler birds, feed, and essential vitamins to 100 Akwa Ibom women to support sustainable poultry farming in the state.

Speaking during the distribution of the items in Uyo on Friday, the foundation’s General Manager, Mr Oludare Odusanya, said the project was designed to empower women and enhance rural livelihoods in Akwa Ibom.

Odusanya, who was represented by the foundation’s Programme Manager, Dr Umar Maina, said that each of the 100 selected women received 20 Noiler birds, a bag of feed, and essential vitamins to care for the birds in their early stages.

He said poultry farming in the country has emerged as a transformative enterprise, providing a sustainable source of income advancing food security, and strengthening community cohesion.

He added that the project aimed to empower the Akwa Ibom women with the tools and knowledge to establish successful businesses.

“The initiative is not just about providing resources, it’s about fostering development, resilience, and economic empowerment within our communities.

“We recognise the challenges our community faces which is why we are committed to investing in initiatives that deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

“Our dedication goes beyond this initial distribution, we will provide continuous support, awareness programmes, and resources to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of this project,” Odusanya said.

Odusanya disclosed that the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation since 2002 has invested more than N4 billion in supporting rural farmers across the country.

He added that the foundation had been able to reach out to 1.3 million beneficiaries across the 36 states of the federation and FCT, adding that the is expected to double in the next 10 years.

He commended the State Government for its continuous support of the socio-economic and agricultural development of smallholder farmers and women in the state.

In her remarks, Dr Offiong  Offor, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, commended the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation for their kind gesture.

Offor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, said that the project targeted women to ensure they train the birds to propagate and improve their poultry farming.

She charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the gesture as it would bring more income to them for improved livelihoods.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr Teddy Essien, Director of Veterinary Services, Akwa Ibom, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said Noiler birds are a species of chicken known for their high egg production and meat quality. 

Essien said that Noilers are a crossbreed between two popular chicken breeds; Rhode Island Red and a local breed known for its hardiness, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to tropical environments.

He said that Noilers are a popular choice for small-scale farmers and backyard chicken keepers in Nigeria and other tropical regions, due to their high egg production, meat quality, and hardiness.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Idara Ekpe, thanked the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation for the distribution of the Noiler birds to the women, adding that the gesture would go a long way to expand her poultry business and add value to her family.