By Staff Reporter
As the world marked World Milk Day 2026, Outspan Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of ofi (olam food ingredients), turned the spotlight on a group often overlooked in Nigeria's agricultural sector — women dairy farmers.
At a special event held in Kano State, the company celebrated the vital role women play in dairy production while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Nigeria's local dairy value chain through strategic backward integration programmes designed to improve productivity, livelihoods and rural economic growth.
The event highlighted the growing importance of dairy farming in Nigeria's agricultural landscape and underscored how increased investment in milk production can boost food security, create jobs and improve household incomes across rural communities.
For more than five years, Outspan Nigeria has partnered with the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union to implement programmes aimed at transforming dairy farming in northern Nigeria. Through the initiative, hundreds of dairy farmers have benefited from improved milk collection systems, better animal healthcare, enhanced cattle breeding practices and livelihood support programmes.
Speaking during the World Milk Day celebration, the Manager of the Backward Integration Programme (Dairy) at Outspan Nigeria Limited, Dr. Isah Abubakar, explained that the company's dairy development strategy focuses on four major pillars: genetic improvement, feed support, animal health improvement and livelihood enhancement.
"Our objective is to improve milk productivity while creating sustainable economic opportunities for dairy farming communities," he said.
According to him, the company has continued to support farmers through artificial insemination programmes that improve cattle breeds and increase milk yields. The initiative also provides access to quality feed, pasture cultivation training and improved feeding techniques that help ensure year-round milk production.
Dr. Abubakar further disclosed that veterinary support remains a critical component of the programme, with annual vaccination campaigns and deworming exercises helping farmers maintain healthier herds and reduce livestock losses.
Beyond productivity improvements, the initiative has also delivered social impact within dairy communities.
The District Head of Dawakin Kudu, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, commended Outspan Nigeria for its sustained intervention in the dairy sector, noting that the programme has enabled farmers to increase their incomes while improving access to education for their children.
According to him, the company has supported families through the donation of educational materials, including school bags and writing materials, helping to reduce barriers to education within pastoral communities.
One of the major highlights of the event was the recognition of women who have distinguished themselves in dairy farming.
In line with the 2026 World Milk Day theme, "Celebrating Women Dairy Farmers," Outspan honoured outstanding female participants within the Kano dairy value chain.
Among the award recipients was Rakia Saadu, who emerged as the Best Female Participant in her category.
Expressing her excitement after receiving the recognition, Saadu said the award would encourage her and many other women to remain active contributors to the dairy industry.
"I am very happy to be recognised for my efforts. This honour motivates me to do more and continue supporting our local dairy business," she said.
Industry stakeholders at the event also praised the growing collaboration between the private sector and farming communities.
Representing the Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development, Yahaya Sanni Abbas described the partnership between Outspan Nigeria and dairy cooperatives as a model for agricultural transformation.
"I commend Outspan Nigeria Limited and the Kano Dairy Cooperative Federation for their dedication to improving the lives of smallholder dairy farmers, particularly women. Their efforts demonstrate how strategic partnerships can drive rural development and agricultural prosperity," he stated.
Experts believe Nigeria's dairy sector holds enormous potential for reducing dependence on imported dairy products while creating jobs and boosting local production.
With increasing demand for milk and dairy products across the country, initiatives that strengthen local production capacity are becoming increasingly important for economic growth and food security.
For Outspan Nigeria, World Milk Day was more than a celebration. It served as an opportunity to showcase how targeted investments in dairy farming can transform communities, empower women and build a stronger agricultural economy.
As Nigeria continues to pursue greater self-sufficiency in dairy production, stakeholders say empowering local farmers, particularly women, will remain essential to unlocking the sector's full potential.
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