Edo State Unveils Chicken Processing Factory, Boosts Youth and Women Entrepreneurship

In a significant step towards economic empowerment, the Edo State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art chicken processing factory in Obayantor Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

The initiative, a product of a tripartite partnership between the Edo State Government, Heifer International, and Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, is designed to support small-scale farmers and enhance local agribusiness.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, highlighted the factory’s potential to revolutionize poultry farming and entrepreneurship in the state.

“The establishment of this factory underscores our commitment to empowering our people, particularly women and youths, to become key players in economic growth and development. These empowerment packs—solar-powered freezers and insulated carts—are not just resources; they symbolize hope and confidence in the entrepreneurial spirit of our people,” she stated.

Mrs. Anani also applauded the partners for their unwavering support, stressing that the collaboration demonstrates the immense power of partnerships in fostering economic prosperity.

“As we build an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and enterprise, we must rise to the challenge of creating a sustainable future for ourselves and our state. Let us collectively support our entrepreneurs and work towards a brighter tomorrow,” she urged.

Heifer Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Lekan Tobe, and a representative from Amo Farm, Alaba Yunusa, lauded the Edo State Government’s role in facilitating the initiative. They revealed that the facility has the capacity to process 10,000 birds daily, leveraging cutting-edge technology to support smallholder farmers.

A highpoint of the event was a guided tour of the facility, showcasing its potential to drive economic growth and youth empowerment, reinforcing Edo’s position as a hub for agricultural innovation.