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

Outspan Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of olam food ingredients (ofi), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s dairy sector through strategic backward integration initiatives, while celebrating the contributions of women dairy farmers during the 2026 World Milk Day commemoration in Kano State.

KANO – Outspan Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of olam food ingredients (ofi), has highlighted the critical role of women in dairy production and reiterated its commitment to developing Nigeria’s local dairy value chain through strategic backward integration programmes.

The company made the commitment during the 2026 World Milk Day celebration held in Kano State on June 4, where stakeholders gathered to discuss progress in dairy development and recognise outstanding contributions within the sector.

Dairy production remains a vital contributor to rural development, providing nutrition, generating employment and creating economic opportunities across farming, transportation, processing and marketing. Increased productivity in the sector has the potential to improve food security, raise household incomes and strengthen livelihoods in rural communities.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Isah Abubakar, Manager, Backward Integration Programme (Dairy) at Outspan Nigeria Limited, said the company's interventions are guided by a comprehensive strategy focused on improving productivity and supporting pastoralist communities.

“Our work in the dairy sector is guided by a clear and focused 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, Outspan is enhancing breed quality through artificial insemination programmes aimed at increasing milk yields and improving productivity. The company also supports farmers with access to quality feed, promotes improved feeding practices and trains farmers on crop residue utilisation and pasture cultivation to ensure consistent milk production.

He further explained that the company provides veterinary and extension services, including annual vaccination campaigns and deworming programmes, to improve herd health and reduce losses among livestock owners.

“For us, improving farmer incomes through training, market access and household resilience initiatives remains a key priority,” he added.

For more than five years, Outspan has partnered with the Kano Dairy Union to implement a backward integration programme designed to improve milk collection efficiency, enhance cattle health, support education for farmers’ children and encourage greater participation of women in the dairy value chain.

The District Head of Dawakin Kudu, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, commended the company for its sustained support to dairy farmers in the area. He noted that the partnership has helped increase milk production, improve access to markets and boost farmers’ incomes.

He also praised Outspan for supporting education within dairy farming communities through the donation of school bags, writing materials and other educational resources.

In line with the 2026 World Milk Day theme, “Celebrating Women Dairy Farmers,” Outspan recognised women who have distinguished themselves 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 appreciation, she said the recognition would motivate her to continue contributing to the growth of the local dairy business.

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

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

“I wish to commend the Kano Dairy Cooperative Federation and Outspan Nigeria Limited for their dedication to promoting dairy development and supporting smallholder dairy farmers, especially women. Their collaboration serves as an excellent example of how partnerships can drive agricultural transformation and rural prosperity,” he said.

The World Milk Day event served as a platform to showcase achievements within the dairy industry and encourage continued investment in initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural growth, women’s empowerment and rural economic development.