The BATN Foundation, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government, has distributed 2,000 Noiler chickens to 100 smallholder farmers to enhance food security and support rural communities.
Launched in 2024 at the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Project premises, the initiative targets vulnerable groups such as women (particularly widows), youth, and people with disabilities. Beneficiaries were provided with 20 five-week-old Noiler chickens, a 25kg bag of poultry feed, a 150g multivitamin sachet, and N5,000 for transportation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development highlighted the program’s alignment with the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which focuses on boosting agriculture in the state.
The BATN Foundation emphasized the project’s significance in addressing food security and economic empowerment for smallholder farmers. Beneficiaries were selected through a collaboration involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association to ensure the most vulnerable farmers received support.
The Director of Veterinary Services in Akwa Ibom State described the project as transformative for rural agriculture and a boost for local poultry breeds. Meanwhile, the Director of Livestock and Husbandry noted its alignment with the state’s agricultural revolution agenda.
The initiative, implemented by Eco-Lead Imperial Engineering and Global Services Ltd, also aims to improve nutrition and foster gender equality by equipping women and youth with sustainable poultry farming skills.
