By Lucky Oji
UNITED Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, has provided five cassava mills to five local government areas in Kogi State.

The mills were officially commissioned by Kogi State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Folashade Shinkaiye, at Oguda Farm Centre in Okene Local Government Area.

The project, a community-based initiative, is aimed at increasing the income and enhancing the business skills of women in selected local government areas of Kogi State. The councils are: Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Dekina, and Yagba West local government areas.

It is part of UNIFEM’s efforts to develop models of change at grassroots levels from a needs-based human rights perspective.

Mrs. Folashade Shinkaiye, who was represented by Mr. Folorunsho, the Director, Administration and Finance, said: “Over 50% of the viable socio-economic activities in Kogi State are carried out by women.

“This support from UNIFEM’s will increase food production and enhance the status of women in the state.”

She added that UNIFEM is committed to ensuring that women take their rightful place both in political and socio-economic development of the nation.