The Arahah Market was established by the Chief Executive Officer of Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative WADHI, Mrs Esther E. Mshelia in partnership with the Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry ACCI, to give visibility and provide market access to women Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. This years Christmas edition was held at the Mariam Babangida National center for women development with with the FGN IPAD Value Chain Development project mobilizing Farmers from 3 states to participate
MS Esther Eghobamean Mshelia, the convener of WADHI and initiator of the Arahah Market initiative, expressed her joy in spearheading the Arahah Market initiative, a project of the Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative and Abuja chamber of commerce and industry.
She emphasized collaboration with various partners, both local and international, to connect farmers, producers, and manufacturers with end-users through physical and virtual markets. Through platforms like the KOWGO mobile application and web trading, they facilitate virtual transactions and product discovery. Training programs in standardization, digital financing, and e-commerce aim to enhance competitiveness and expand the productive base across genders and demographics.
Gidado Bello, Human Resource Advisor of FGN IPAD Value Chain Development Project, Abuja, highlighted IFAD’s support for Nigerian small-scale farmers, particularly in rice and cassava production. Though mobilizing only three states for the exhibition due to short notice, the showcased initiatives represent efforts across all nine states. IFAD’s focus on value chain development empowers farmers, processors, and marketers, emphasizing the importance of rice and cassava as food security crops in Nigeria.