Niger First Lady Decorated as “Smart Mother of the State,” Vows to Empower Women Farmers and Promote Nutrition
From : Our Reporter.
Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Umaru Bago, the wife of the Niger State governor, has been honored with the title of “Smart Mother of the State.” During her speech at the 10th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair in Minna, she reiterated her commitment to empowering women farmers and promoting nutrition within the state.
The Nutritious Food Fair was organized by the Niger State Ministry for Agriculture in collaboration with HarvestPlus, themed “Sustainable Food Systems: Our Collective Responsibility.”
In her address, Hajiya Bago stated that the state government will continue to provide women farmers with access to biofortified crops, including vitamin A-enriched maize, cassava, millet, and soybeans.
She also highlighted the importance of integrating small livestock—such as chickens, goats, and sheep—into household farming, explaining that this would provide a sustainable source of protein and manure, thereby creating additional income streams for families.
Furthermore, she emphasized that the state government would prioritize the training of female agricultural extension officers and community health workers, who will work directly with families to impart practical knowledge about incorporating nutritious crops and small livestock into their daily routines.
Hajiya Bago expressed that equipping women farmers with the right tools and knowledge would foster an agricultural model that is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.
She praised her husband’s vision of making Niger State the Agricultural Hub of Africa, describing it as both bold and achievable.
Hajiya Bago reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of its people, particularly focusing on pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five.
According to her, the Cadre Harmonisé report warns that over 33 million Nigerians may face a hunger crisis by 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to address this challenge.
She reiterated the significance of empowering women farmers, providing them with access to biofortified crops, and promoting the integration of small livestock into household farming.
Hajiya Bago also called for the prioritization of training for female agricultural extension officers and community health workers.
She urged all stakeholders—including government agencies, development partners, private sector actors, and community leaders—to unite in creating a system where every family has access to nutritious food, every woman has the opportunity to thrive, and every child has the chance to grow up healthy and strong.
The First Lady expressed her gratitude for being named the “Smart Mother” of the state, stating that the honor fuels her passion to continue advocating for families and communities.
In his remarks, Dr. Yusuf Fu’ad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, explained that the “Smart Mother” initiative aims to empower women to make informed decisions about nutritious meals for their families.
He praised the governor’s wife for her dedication to promoting nutrition education and healthy eating habits among women in the state. Dr. Fu’ad expressed optimism that the “Smart Mother” initiative would significantly improve nutrition outcomes in Niger State and beyond.
