‘Women empowerment is focal point of my mandate’

Princess Sayo Adenle, is an agro-business entrepreneur and woman of culture with a strong passion and support for women folks. Two years ago, she was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Iyalaje-General in Ikere Kingdom, the first of its kind and will bag the Erelu of Aaye Kingdom in Ekiti by August this year. She is the Chief Executive Officer, Saver Shopping Village Limited and founder of Women Farmers Association in Ekiti State (WAFAES). She has undertaken lots of women empowerment and agricultural programmes across the state using local government areas as platforms. In this interview with GERALDINE AKUTU, she shares her passion for empowering women in the grassroots.
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⁠Take us through your journey into being where you are today.
It’s a long journey. Being a player in private sector, it has been a very challenging one, but I thank God for his grace. Start-ups are often faced with challenges that range from inadequate funding to human capacity and lack government support. I was raised in Ekiti by an average family that is God fearing. Discipline too, was a watch-word which, my parents didn’t compromise to raise every one of us as well as to shape our behaviours in and outside the home. Like in every Ekiti family, education remains a very important legacy, which my parents did not deny any of us. All this help to shape my growth over the years. But, in Yorubaland, every Omoluabi is expected to give himself a ‘rebirth’ in order to prepare for the challenges ahead and be able to navigate the larger society without much hitches, particularly when your parents are no longer around you. So, I did just that as I grew up by remaining focused, disciplined and made choices that are in sync with my long-term goal in life; follow the right path in terms of education and career. More importantly, passion and determination are the key drivers to my success so far.

What would you say prepared you for the feat you have achieved today?
I think the first answer above explained this. But in clear terms, it is strong determination and passion for what I love doing. Often time, success in life is achieved when one is determined to follow his or her dream. That means whatever you do you must be consistent and persevere where necessary because life is never a bed of roses.
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There are ups and downs, which can make or mar your goals in life. Similarly, passion remains the oil that galvanises my efforts over the years. As for the feat, I am afraid I cannot lay claim to that. Frankly speaking, I don’t think I have done anything spectacular so far. I had my education like every other Nigerian, worked at different places before settling into entrepreneurship and farming. In a way, I have been enjoying doing those things that I have passion for. And I find fulfillment in them. For me, I cannot be a judge in my court. Let observers or members of the public determine if my little contributions amount to a feat or not. Of course, it is within their right to do that. But again, what gives me joy is to touch lives particularly the women folks through empowerment and agriculture.

You are very cultural despite being based in the UK and this has earned you chieftaincy titles, what informed this?
My upbringing and the environmental influence. I was born and brought up in the Royal family in Ikere. But after been conferred Iyalaje of Ikere Kingdom, I decided to make women empowerment the focal point of my mandate. My responsibility as Iyalaje of Ikere Kingdom is to among others assist women in wealth generation, business sustenance and prosperity in Ikere.

Beyond agricultural development, I also help to promote our cultural values (Isese) by encouraging the youths and the elders to get involve in our traditions/festivals. I provide advice to people, support the youths through award scholarships. I also encourage empowerment of farmers in the town in order to boost our agricultural produces. Above all, I pray for peace to reign in Ikere Kingdom.
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You have championed women empowerment and agricultural programmes in Ekiti state, share with us some of these activities?
The journey started last year July 2023, when I visited the Obas of the 16 local government regarding the programme. The activities involved proper participation in agriculture. Also, the individual savings in our cooperative account from January to December will help us towards Christmas shopping. But above all, I noticed that public investments that promote the use of agricultural inputs and mechanisation are not reaching value chains where women are concentrated. Among top four value chains that received the highest levels of investment (cotton, rice, sorghum, and cocoa) were among those with the lowest female farmer participation. Women farmers face considerable barriers to accessing financial services, which restricts their ability to reach markets at various stages of the agricultural cycle. To help women access markets and overcome barriers to entry into more profitable value chains, public funding needs to be targeted toward supporting or subsidising innovative financial mechanisms. Targeted financing for training modules on personal initiative and socio-emotional skills for women could also be added to extension training and has been shown to increase women’s likelihood of adopting more valuable crops.

What is your advice to women who are struggling to find their feet and making meaning of their lives?
The journey to success is in our hands. Every woman must identify her strength, weakness, opportunity and threat in order to take the right decision on career. She must design her life pattern with determination. They must not give up in the face of obstacles or teething challenges because winners don’t give up. In fact, no success comes on a platform of gold, you work for it. Same applies for home management as a mother. Always do what makes you happy and happiness is free.

What is your life mantra?
Life goes on irrespective of any situation you find yourself. Cry not over spilled milk.
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