In response to the devastating floods that wreaked havoc across Nigeria, the Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with Whitefield Foundation and Sterling Bank, has initiated Project Ladder.
The primary objective of this project is to provide support to farmers who were severely impacted by the floods, offering relief and enhanced farming inputs to help them rebuild their lives.
The project was officially launched in the Ndokwa East and Oshimili North Local Government Areas of Delta State, which were heavily affected by the floods.
The aim is not only to provide immediate relief to the victims but also to equip them with superior farming inputs that have a higher yield potential compared to conventional options.
Delta State was one of the 33 states in Nigeria severely affected by the floods in 2022. The floods, which occurred between May and October, resulted in tragic loss of life, the displacement of millions of people, and the destruction of approximately 110,000 hectares of farmland.
In light of the disastrous consequences, various relief interventions were launched, focusing on alternative shelter, food supplies, and medication, particularly due to the outbreak of cholera in the country’s northeastern region.
Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, the CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, shed light on the motivation behind Project Ladder.
She stressed the importance of shifting the focus from immediate survival responses to assisting the victims in rebuilding their lives.
Mrs. Ibekwe explained, “The floods affected several farming communities, and what we’ve set out to do is support them with resources to regain some self-sufficiency. Project Ladder is not just a flood relief project but an initiative under our food security portfolio aimed at driving increased yield by supporting farmers with better inputs and teaching them better farming practices, thus combating food shortages across the country.”
During the launch phase of the project, approximately 100,000 enhanced cassava stems were distributed to women farmers, symbolizing the commencement of an extensive plan to support them throughout the planting season with the hope of a bountiful harvest.
Mrs. Funmi Johnson, CEO of Whitefield Foundation, emphasized the significance of the project in terms of national food security.
She emphasized the need to empower flood-affected farmers to rebuild their livelihoods and continue contributing to the nation’s sustenance.
Project Ladder encompasses two key areas of focus for the Sterling One Foundation: food security and gender equality, with a specific emphasis on women empowerment.
This year, the Foundation aims to expand its efforts in these areas, reaching more communities and directly benefiting a larger number of individuals.
