OCTOBER 1, 1960: How Nigerians ushered in independence ON day like this, exactly 57 years ago, Nigeria was on a festive and historic mood. It was the eve of October 1, 1960, the day that the United Kingdom had set aside to grant Nigeria independence as a sovereign state. The political and social atmosphere was astir. The reasons were not far-fetched given the dreams of the founding fathers – late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, late Sir Ahmadu Bello and late Chief Obafemi Awolowo among others as well as what the prospects of self-rule portended for the emerging black nation. Although, the then three regions -Northern, Eastern and Western had been administered by Nigerians, who superintended as premiers for six years, Nigerians could not wait to collect the mantle of leadership, at the centre, from the last British Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir James Robertson. It was thus not surprising that elaborate preparations were made, across the country, for the historic occasion. There was ...
Women produce between 60 and 80 per cent of the food in most developing countries and are responsible for half of the world's food production, yet their key role as food producers and providers and their critical contribution to household food security is only recently becoming recognised. FAO studies confirm that while women are the mainstay of small-scale agriculture, farm labour force and day-to-day family subsistence, they have more difficulties than men in gaining access to resources such as land and credit and productivity enhancing inputs and services. Given women's crucial role in food production and provision, any set of strategies for sustainable food security must address their limited access to productive resources security must address their limited access to productive resources: • Ensure that women have equal opportunities with men to own land; • Facilitate women's access to agricultural services tailoring such services to their needs; • Encourage...
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