…Empowering Smallholder Farmers and Enhancing Protein Accessibility
natnudO Foods, a division of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, has officially launched the natnuPreneur Seller Scheme Hub & Spoke Model in Edo State.
This initiative, introduced in partnership with the Office of the Edo State First Lady and Heifer International, aims to empower agripreneurs and smallholder farmers while improving access to affordable animal protein.
The scheme features a Hub and Spoke distribution model designed to enhance local food supply chains. Each Hub is equipped with solar-powered freezers for product storage and distribution, while attached Spokes—comprising small vendors—are provided with push carts and parasols for daily sales. This model not only strengthens small businesses but also enhances local animal protein availability in Edo State.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the natnudO Foods Processing Plant along Presco Road in the Obayanto community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, 30th January 2025.
During the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, handed over the empowerment equipment—including solar-powered freezers and insulated carts—to the first batch of beneficiaries, mostly women.
She encouraged them to maximize this opportunity to boost animal protein supply, improve earnings, and enhance their overall standard of living.
Mrs. Anani also commended the collaboration between natnudO Foods, the Edo State Government, and Heifer International, emphasizing the collective 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.
Speaking at the event, Alaba Yunusa, Deputy Head of Business for natnudO Foods, who represented Dr. Oduntan, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
He reiterated that the natnuPreneur programme is committed to increasing local production, creating economic opportunities, and ensuring quality protein is accessible to all Nigerians.
He highlighted that natnudO’s abattoir in Edo State can process 10,000 birds daily while also leveraging innovative technology to support smallholder farmers.
As part of its ongoing expansion, natnudO Foods commissioned a new processing plant in Benin City in November 2024. This facility joins other natnudO plants in Akinyele (Oyo State), Uyo (Akwa Ibom State), and Kaduna State, reinforcing the company’s commitment to boosting food security and making quality animal protein affordable for all Nigerians.
From left: Mrs. Onyekachi Ayevbuomwan, Program Coordinator, Heifer Nigeria; 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.
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.