Itiya-Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria – June 5, 2026
The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) has launched the second batch of its Women and Girls in Agriculture Empowerment Programme, providing capacity-building training and agricultural tools support to 40 women and girls engaged in palm oil production in Itiya-Ijesa, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.
The programme, which was implemented in collaboration with the Itiya-Ijesa Progressive Union and Afropride Art Collection Ltd, brought together participants from six communities, including Ibokun, Otan-Ile, and Itiya-Ijesa, representing various palm oil production units and zones.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Founder and Executive Director of YEDIS, highlighted the importance of agriculture as a catalyst for job creation and economic development. He explained the commitment of the World Bank Group to advancing agriculture-driven employment opportunities and noted YEDIS’ role in supporting grassroots women and youth through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Mr. Olaore also emphasized YEDIS’ commitment as a United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)-accredited organization to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through targeted empowerment programmes.
As part of the capacity-building session, YEDIS facilitators Mr. Opeyemi Adeoye and Mr. Oladele Taiwo, both digital technology experts, trained participants on the application of digital tools to improve their palm oil businesses. Topics covered included electronic commerce (e-commerce), digital banking, online marketing, and the use of technology to expand market opportunities.
In addition, Mr. Olaore educated participants on the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in climate change prediction, electronic procurement (e-procurement), and supply chain management, demonstrating how innovation can strengthen agricultural enterprises and improve productivity.
Having coordinated an official session at the World Bank Group Civil Society Policy Forum during the 2026 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., where Rafiu Olaore emphasized the theme, “How Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture Create Jobs in Developing Countries,” the ongoing YEDIS empowerment initiative demonstrates how global policy discussions can be translated into practical grassroots interventions.
The programme reflects YEDIS’ commitment to leveraging innovation, technology, and agriculture to expand economic opportunities for women, youth, and rural communities.
Significantly, the empowerment programme coincided with the celebration of World Environment Day 2026, providing an opportunity to reinforce the importance of environmental sustainability within agricultural enterprises.
During the training, participants received guidance on proper waste management, environmental hygiene, and cleanliness in food production and processing. The session, facilitated by health practitioner Mrs. Mary Adebayo, emphasized how responsible waste disposal, a clean processing environment, and sustainable agricultural practices contribute to improved food safety, environmental protection, public health, and business growth.
Through this approach, YEDIS continues to promote agricultural development that is both economically empowering and environmentally responsible.The inclusion of environmental sustainability discussions aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), demonstrating YEDIS’ commitment to integrating economic empowerment with environmental stewardship.
By encouraging women and girls in agriculture to adopt cleaner production practices and effective waste management, the programme contributes to building more resilient and sustainable rural communities.
The programme forms part of YEDIS’ broader initiative to empower 1,000 women and girls by December 2026. The initiative commenced on May 23, 2026, with support from Afropride Art Collection Ltd, which donated 100 bowls to support beneficiaries. The first phase of the programme targeted women and girls involved in gari processing in Dagbolu, Osogbo, Osun State.
Representing the traditional ruler of Itiya-Ijesa, Chief Olajide, the Obaala of Itiya-Ijesa, commended YEDIS for selecting the community as a beneficiary of the empowerment programme. Similarly, the Chairman of the Itiya-Ijesa Progressive Union, Mr. Morufu Famakinwa, expressed appreciation for the advanced training and agricultural tools provided to participants.
Representatives of the youth community and leaders of the palm oil processors’ groups also thanked YEDIS and its partners for the intervention, noting that the training and support would significantly improve their businesses and livelihoods.YEDIS concluded the programme by expressing gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, community leaders, and supporters whose contributions made the initiative successful.
Through this initiative, YEDIS continues to strengthen rural agricultural value chains, promote digital inclusion, advance women’s economic empowerment, and contribute to sustainable development efforts in Nigeria. The organization remains committed to building resilient communities through entrepreneurship, innovation, agriculture, and strategic partnerships.
