From Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
The Legionnaires Wives Association of Nigeria (LWAN) has launched a six-month agro-based entrepreneurship programme aimed at empowering 40 widows in Garu community, Bauchi State, with practical skills in tomato processing and cultivation.
Speaking during the inaugural training on tomato processing held yesterday, LWAN National President, Hajiya Fatima Idris, said the initiative was designed to promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods among widows.
According to her, the programme will run in two phases, the first focusing on tomato processing and packaging, while the second will train participants on tomato cultivation using irrigation techniques, covering every stage from seedling to harvest.
“We have secured farmland and provided equipment to support the cultivation activities. Garu community was selected because of its proximity to farmland and the dedication of its residents,” Idris explained.
“Our vision is for the women to produce and sell branded tomato products, reinvest profits, and sustain their trade through a revolving model,” she added.
Hajiya Fatima appreciated the Development Exchange Centre (DEC) for funding support through the Small-Scale Project Fund, and called for more investment in projects that uplift widows and wives of legionnaires nationwide.
Also speaking, LWAN Programme Officer, Mr. Joel Timothy, said the project would help participants form Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to enhance financial inclusion and strengthen their business capacity.
“We will ensure beneficiaries are linked to markets for their finished products. This is not just training but a pathway to economic empowerment,” Timothy said.
In her presentation, Ms. Rahila Caleb, a resource person, highlighted that tomato paste production is a profitable small-scale venture with high market demand.
She urged participants to maintain hygiene standards during processing and adopt affordable, locally sourced packaging materials to minimize start-up costs.
