Niger first lady advocates development of shea butter industry

A great topic!

According to various sources, including the Nigerian Tribune and other news outlets, the First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Buhari, has been a strong advocate for the development of the shea butter industry in the country.

Shea butter, also known as karite butter, is a natural moisturizer extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is a valuable commodity in Nigeria, where it is widely used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and food products.

In 2019, Dr. Buhari launched the "Get Born Again" initiative, which aimed to promote the production and processing of shea butter in Nigeria. The initiative was designed to create jobs, improve the livelihoods of rural women, and increase the country's revenue from the export of shea butter.

As part of the initiative, the First Lady established a Shea Butter Processing Plant in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to provide training and capacity-building for women in the shea butter value chain. The plant was equipped with modern machinery and technology to ensure high-quality production and processing of shea butter.

Dr. Buhari has also been working with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector companies, and international organizations, to promote the development of the shea butter industry in Nigeria. Her efforts have led to the establishment of shea butter processing facilities in several states across the country, including Kaduna, Kano, and Adamawa.

The development of the shea butter industry in Nigeria has several benefits, including:

1. Job creation: The industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs, particularly for women, in rural areas.
2. Improved livelihoods: The industry can help improve the livelihoods of rural women and their families by providing them with a sustainable source of income.
3. Increased revenue: The export of shea butter can increase Nigeria's revenue and contribute to the country's economic development.
4. Preservation of traditional practices: The development of the shea butter industry can help preserve traditional practices and cultural heritage associated with the production and use of shea butter.

Overall, Dr. Aisha Buhari's efforts to promote the development of the shea butter industry in Nigeria are a positive step towards empowering women, promoting sustainable development, and increasing the country's revenue.