The Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth in Livestock Agriculture (EEWYLA) initiative has targeted the training of 7,200 livestock breeders by 2027 to revolutionise Nigeria’s livestock industry and value-chain.
Mrs Amina Momoh-Orimoloye, the EEWYLA coordinator and founder of Oriyon International Ltd., disclosed this in an interview with the newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
EEWYLA is spearheaded by Oriyon International Ltd.
The initiative has also partnered with the Benue State Agricultural Development Company to achieve the goal.
The EEWYLA initiative not only provides training but integrates participants into an ecosystem that promises real growth and access to international markets.
Momoh-Orimoloye said the collaboration between the group and the government was aimed at empowering marginalised groups to revolutionise the sector through cutting-edge block chain technology developed by RUMER.NG.
She also reiterated that EEWYLA initiative would break the mould of traditional livestock training programmes.
“Unlike conventional livestock programmes that often fail to achieve scalability or market access, the EEWYLA initiative offers a refreshing alternative to such conventional training programmes that often fail to deliver tangible growth in this sector.
“EEWYLA’s approach combines practical training, mentorship, and access to innovative tools. The initiative trains breeders in small ruminant farming, focusing on goats and sheep, while working towards certifying them through the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science.
“Trainees gain hands-on experience in breeding, feeding, health management, and business skills, coupled with a strong emphasis on compliance with international standards,” Momoh-Orimoloye said.
The coordinator noted that distinction of the EEWYLA initiative was its partnership with RUMER.NG, a block chain-based platform, that guarantees traceability across the livestock value chain.
“This integration ensures that participants are not just skilled farmers but also verified breeders with products that meet international market demands.
“EEWYLA and RUMER.NG address core issues plaguing the livestock sector.
“The traceability feature enables buyers to verify the provenance of livestock and products, resolving long-standing disputes over claims and accusations, such as those seen in farmer-herder conflicts.
“Furthermore, the initiative provides beneficiaries with Forward Purchasing Agreements and access to certified breeding colonies, ensuring consistent demand and income.
“This innovative model guarantees that every breeder and product can be traced from origin to market, building trust and opening pathways to global trade.
“With Nigeria and much of Africa historically excluded from high-value export markets due to compliance challenges, this initiative bridges that gap,” EEWYLA coordinator said.
She also noted that the main beneficiaries of the partnership is centered around women, youth and People With Disabilities (PWDs).
“For women, youths, and PWDs entering this sector, the initiative offers more than just training—it offers economic empowerment. Beneficiaries receive starter herds, access to land, and integration into a global marketplace.
“Certified breeders can list their livestock on RUMER.NG, ensuring fair pricing and access to foreign exchange opportunities.
“Through mechanised processing facilities for dairy, meat, hides, and biogas production, EEWYLA’s zero-waste approach ensures environmental sustainability while adding value to livestock products.
“This ecosystem not only boosts income but also positions Nigerian farmers as competitive players in international markets.
Momoh-Orimoloye , however, urged policymakers, financial institutions, and international partners to support this vision of inclusive, sustainable, and traceable agriculture.
“EEWYLA and RUMER.NG are proof that we can address structural challenges while empowering our people. This is our opportunity to put Nigerian livestock on the global map.
“For individuals eager to transform their futures through livestock farming, or for organisations looking to be part of a ground-breaking initiative, now is the time to act.
“With this partnership, Nigeria’s livestock sector stands on the cusp of a revolution—one that promises empowerment, sustainability, and a brighter economic future,” she added.