Advancing Women Empowerment, Environmental Sustainability, and Agribusiness Development in Southwest Nigeria
On 23 May 2026, the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), led by its Founder and Executive Director, Rafiu Olaore, successfully empowered over 51 women agribusiness traders involved in gari processing at Dagbolu Community, Osun State, Nigeria.
The community outreach program brought together women processors, local leaders, and stakeholders in an atmosphere of celebration, unity, and grassroots participation. Cultural drummers added excitement and traditional significance to the event, reflecting the strong community support for the initiative.
The empowerment program was implemented in partnership with the Jesu Nbo Gari Processing Association as part of YEDIS’ commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods, women’s economic inclusion, and community-driven development initiatives across underserved communities in Nigeria.
Training on Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management
As part of the event, participants received practical capacity-building sessions facilitated by Mrs. Mary Adebayo, a health practitioner and Mrs. Grace Alaje, an academic and laboratory technologist. The training focused on:
– Waste management practices
– Water conservation and utilization
– Environmental sustainability awareness
– Safe and effective waste reuse strategies
The sessions aimed to equip women gari processors with practical knowledge to improve productivity while promoting cleaner and healthier processing environments within their communities.
Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
During the engagement, YEDIS Founder, Rafiu Olaore, emphasized the importance of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a pathway toward inclusive economic growth, environmental protection, and sustainable community development.
He reaffirmed YEDIS’ commitment to advancing grassroots implementation of the SDGs and supporting vulnerable populations through practical empowerment initiatives aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Donation of Processing Materials to Women Traders
One of the major highlights of the program was the donation of 100 plastic processing bowls worth over N500,000 to women working within the gari value chain. The donation was generously supported by the CEO of Afro Pride Art Collections, Mrs Sakirat Lawal, whose contribution further strengthened the impact of the initiative.
The women leaders and coordinators of the Jesu Nbo Gari Processing Association expressed deep appreciation to YEDIS and its partners for supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable agribusiness development in marginalized communities.
Launch of YEDIS Southwest Women Agribusiness Empowerment Initiative
The Dagbolu outreach also marked the commencement of YEDIS’ broader initiative to empower 1,000 smallholder women agribusiness traders across Southwest Nigeria by December 2026.
Through this initiative, YEDIS aims to strengthen local agricultural value chains, improve women’s livelihoods, promote environmental sustainability, and support inclusive rural economic development.
A Birthday Giving Initiative with Community Impact
The outreach additionally served as a meaningful birthday giving initiative by Rafiu Olaore, transforming a personal celebration into an opportunity to uplift hardworking women entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
YEDIS continues to remain committed to empowering vulnerable populations, advancing sustainable development, and creating opportunities for grassroots economic transformation across Nigeria.