World Milk Day: Outspan Celebrates Women Dairy Farmers, Boosts Local Dairy Value Chain in Kano

World Milk Day: Outspan Celebrates Women Dairy Farmers, Boosts Local Dairy Value Chain in Kano

KANO, NIGERIA – Outspan Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of olam food ingredients (ofi), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s dairy sector by spotlighting the contributions of women dairy farmers and advancing local value chain development through strategic backward integration initiatives.

The company made the commitment during the 2026 World Milk Day celebration held in Kano State on June 4, where stakeholders gathered to recognize the critical role of dairy farming in rural development, nutrition, employment generation, and economic empowerment.

Dairy production remains a vital source of nourishment and livelihood, supporting thousands of families through farming, transportation, processing, and marketing activities. Improved productivity in the sector has the potential to increase nutrient availability, enhance household incomes, and strengthen rural economies.

For more than five years, Outspan Nigeria Limited has partnered with the Kano Dairy Union to implement a backward integration programme aimed at improving dairy farmers’ productivity and livelihoods. The initiative focuses on enhancing milk collection efficiency, improving cattle health, supporting education for farmers’ children, and promoting greater participation of women across the dairy value chain.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Isah Abubakar, Manager of the Backward Integration Programme (Dairy) at Outspan Nigeria Limited, highlighted the company’s four-pronged strategy for transforming the dairy sector.

“Our work in the dairy sector is guided by a clear backward integration strategy built on four key pillars: genetic improvement, feed support, animal health improvement, and livelihood support for pastoralist communities,” he said.

According to him, the company is improving breed quality through artificial insemination programmes that help farmers achieve higher milk yields and increased productivity. He added that Outspan also provides access to quality feed, trains farmers on pasture cultivation and crop residue utilisation, and offers veterinary services, including vaccination and deworming campaigns, to improve herd health.

“We are equally committed to improving farmer incomes through capacity building, market access opportunities, and initiatives that strengthen household resilience,” Dr. Abubakar noted.

In his goodwill message, the District Head of Dawakin Kudu, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, commended Outspan for its sustained support to dairy farmers in the area.

He noted that the company’s interventions have helped farmers increase milk production, access markets, improve their incomes, and support children’s education through the donation of school bags and writing materials.

As part of activities marking this year’s World Milk Day theme, “Celebrating Women Dairy Farmers,” Outspan recognized outstanding female participants in the local dairy value chain.

Among the award recipients was Rakia Saadu, who emerged as the Best Female Participant in her category.

Expressing her appreciation, Saadu said the recognition had motivated her to continue contributing to the growth of the dairy business.

“I am happy to be recognized by Outspan for my efforts in our local dairy business. I feel encouraged and grateful,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Yahaya Sanni Abbas, representing the Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development, praised the collaboration between Outspan Nigeria Limited and the Kano Dairy Cooperative Federation.

“I commend both organizations for their commitment to dairy development and support for smallholder dairy farmers, particularly women. Their partnership demonstrates how collaboration can drive agricultural transformation, rural prosperity, and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

The World Milk Day celebration underscored the growing importance of partnerships in building a resilient and inclusive dairy industry while empowering women and improving livelihoods across rural communities in Kano State and beyond.