In the fertile plains of Nasarawa State, a quiet revolution is taking root — led by Hon. Aisha Mbaka, a passionate advocate for agriculture, women’s empowerment, and community development. Her grassroots efforts are transforming lives, proving that when rural women are empowered, entire communities thrive.

With a deep connection to her roots, Hon. Mbaka’s journey began with a simple but powerful observation: rural women, though resilient and resourceful, are held back by systemic barriers — from limited access to credit and markets to a lack of modern tools and overwhelming domestic burdens.

“I’ve seen firsthand the challenges rural women face, and I knew something had to change,” Hon. Mbaka explains. “So I began organizing training programs to equip them with practical skills, create cooperative networks, and help them access support systems that can scale their efforts.”

What started as a small cooperative to process local grains has grown into a full-fledged agribusiness enterprise under her leadership. She now sources staples like beans, millet, and legumes from rural women farmers and trains others in value-added processing, packaging, and marketing — creating a sustainable ecosystem that uplifts everyone involved.

Beyond economic empowerment, Hon. Mbaka also nurtures local leadership. She identifies women who command the respect of their peers and provides them with leadership training, equipping them to become champions of change in their communities.

“When women see someone like them rise to lead, they begin to believe in their own strength,” she says.

Thanks to her consistency and vision, Hon. Mbaka has attracted the support of government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners. Through grants, training, and equipment, her reach has expanded, allowing her to impact more communities and improve local infrastructure.

Her portfolio of grassroots achievements speaks volumes. One standout moment was spearheading a road grading project that improved access and trade in her community. In another initiative, she supported 50 women with ₦20,000 each to grow their small businesses, helping them support their families and gain financial independence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hon. Mbaka went a step further by helping vulnerable women gain access to government relief funds of ₦30,000 each — providing stability at a critical time.

“These moments fuel my belief that sustainable development starts from the ground up. Every woman empowered becomes a pillar of strength for her family and community,” she notes.

Looking ahead, Hon. Aisha Mbaka envisions a future where rural women are not only farmers, but thriving business owners, local leaders, and drivers of food security across Nigeria.

“We need everyone on board. Buy our products, advocate for women-friendly policies, or volunteer your time and resources,” she urges. “Together, we can build a future where women in rural areas no longer struggle in silence — they thrive out loud.”