The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), under its ICON2 project initiative, has inaugurated three new marketing hubs comprising 15 shops and also distributed 5,000 bags of processed rice.
The processed rice was part of the rice produced by the farmers with the input support and processed by the women group processors, then off- taken from the processors for onward support to over 25,000 women agro-processors in Zaria and Ikara axis of Kaduna state as part of efforts to strengthen women-led businesses and support vulnerable groups.
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The initiative, launched on Saturday in Sabon Gari, Zaria, is designed to improve the livelihoods of underserved women engaged in agro-produce marketing across the Ikara axis, Tashar Yari, Dogarawa, Sabon Gari, Kasuwar Amaru, Zazzau emirate area and surrounding communities.
The facility is equipped with solar-powered boreholes to ensure access to clean water and provide a conducive environment for business, congregational and community engagement areas.
SolaceBase had earlier reported in August 2025 that WOFAN commissioned the fully completed solar-powered boreholes fitted with 21 water points to provide safe water for households and nearby schools. The organisation also renovated a school in the community to enhance access to education for both men and women as part of its vision of providing dignified opportunities to improve the livelihood of vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Saturday, WOFAN Group Executive Board Chair, Dr Salamatu Garba, said the marketing hub fulfils the MasterCard Foundation and WOFAN’s vision of boosting economic opportunities, peaceful coexistence among the people and dignified jobs for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) who are within their productive years of 18- 35 years old.
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“Out of the 15 shops, three will be allocated to persons living with disabilities, intentionally dedicated to solar charging systems of phones, electric motorbikes to promote green energy and support their businesses,” she said.
Speaking on the rice distribution initiative, Dr Garba explained that the intervention was expanded this year to reach more vulnerable women- led households to boost their mini marketing businesses that sustain their families.
” We want you to use this support to boost your businesses and improve your livelihoods,” she said.
In his remarks, the WOFAN- ICON2 finance manager, Abdulrasheed Abdulazeez, stated that “The Ikara axis, which includes Dogarawa, Tashar Yari and Gubuchi, will receive 1,025 bags. The Sabon Gari axis, comprising Basawa, Dutsen Abba, Gyallesu, Hanwa, Jama’a and Kaura, will receive 1,075 bags. The Kasuwar Amaru axis, including Kwarbai A, Kwarbai B and Muchia/Chikaji, will receive 1,200 bags. Similarly, the Kasuwar Zaria axis-covering Kufena, Limancin-Kona, Tudun Wada, Tukur Tukur, Unguwar Fatika,Unguwar Juma, and Unguwar Gaba-will receive 1,200 bags.”
He further appreciated community partners for their consistent support and commended the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the District Head of Sabon Gari and other traditional leaders for their support to WOFAN’s programs, adding that the intervention aligns with the objectives of the WOFAN-ICON2 Project under the MasterCard Foundation, which seeks to create sustainable employment opportunities for youth, women and persons with disabilities across ten Nigerian states.
Also speaking, Board Member of the WOFAN Community Development Initiative, Alhaji Rabiu Sule Garo, said the organization, in collaboration with community stakeholders, would continue to implement sustainabilitystrategies aimed at mainstreaming gender in all works of life, creating peaceful coexistence and improving the lives of women and PWDs.
Representing the Emir at the event, the Head of Palace, Alhaji Ahmad Fatika, expressed appreciation to WOFAN for its continued interventions.
“We are aware of the good work you are doing for our people. Our doors remain open, and we are always ready to support WOFAN,” he said.
He noted that the organization’s interventions have contributed to job creation and restored hope, dignity and self-reliance among young people. He also urged the targeted recipients of the rice intervention to invest wisely and focus on growing their businesses, while calling on the committee overseeing the marketing hub to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
The District Head of Sabon Gari, Alhaji Ahmad Bashiri, who is also a patron of WOFAN in Sabon Gari Zaria Axis, , commended the organization for its consistent efforts to uplift vulnerable groups.
“We will continue to support WOFAN in every possible way. The establishment of the marketing hub, rice distribution and provision of solar-powered borehole and water points will receive ample maintenance with a strong sustainability strategy put in place to make these interventions continue to be a memorable support in our community,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Salihu, expressed gratitude for the assistance.
“I never imagined receiving such support free of charge. We are deeply grateful,” she said.
SolaceBase