Amo Farm natnuPreneur Pix 2: From left: Dr. Igenoza Adebayo James, representing the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director, Heifer Nigeria; Mrs. Blessing Okpebholo, First Lady of Edo State; and Mr. Alaba Yunusa, Deputy Head of Business, natnudO Foods, during the official launch of the natnuPreneur Seller Scheme Hub & Spoke Model in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, 30th January 2025.
Launched in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady and Heifer International, this initiative seeks to empower agripreneurs and smallholder farmers, while enhancing access to affordable animal protein.
The scheme incorporates a Hub and Spoke distribution model aimed at improving local food supply chains. Each Hub is equipped with solar-powered freezers for storage and distribution, while the connected Spokes, consisting of small vendors, receive push carts and parasols for daily sales. This model not only supports small businesses but also boosts the availability of local animal protein in Edo State.
Official Unveiling in Edo State
The unveiling ceremony was held at the natnudO Foods Processing Plant on Presco Road in the Obayanto community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, 30th January 2025.
Empowerment Equipment Distributed to Beneficiaries
At the event, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, presented the empowerment equipment—including solar-powered freezers and insulated carts, to the first group of beneficiaries, primarily women.
She urged the beneficiaries to make the most of this opportunity to increase animal protein supply, boost their income, and improve their overall quality of life.
Endorsement from the Edo State Government
Mrs. Anani also praised the partnership between natnudO Foods, the Edo State Government, and Heifer International, highlighting their shared vision to empower women and young entrepreneurs.
“Let us build an ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Together, we can create a brighter future for our people,” she stated.
natnudO Foods’ Commitment to Food Security
At the event, Alaba Yunusa, Deputy Head of Business for natnudO Foods, who represented Dr. Oduntan, expressed excitement about the partnership.
He emphasized that the natnuPreneur programme is dedicated to boosting local production, creating economic opportunities, and ensuring that quality protein is accessible to all Nigerians.
Expanding Processing Capacity
He highlighted that natnudO’s abattoir in Edo State has the capacity to process 10,000 birds daily, while also utilizing innovative technology to support smallholder farmers.
As part of its continued expansion, natnudO Foods inaugurated a new processing plant in Benin City in November 2024. This facility joins existing plants in Akinyele (Oyo State), Uyo (Akwa Ibom State), and Kaduna State, further strengthening the company’s dedication to enhancing food security and ensuring affordable access to quality animal protein for all Nigerians.
