Food Security: Tinubu’s Wife Donates Farming Equipment, Resources to 200 Farmers in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

No fewer than 200 farmers in Anambra state have benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative Agriculture Support Programme of the Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The beneficiaries, comprising women groups, youth organizations, political associations, school clubs among others were drawn from across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

The participants underwent training in different departments including Feed processing, vegetable farming, drip irrigation installation, and piggery.

Some of the tools distributed were grinding machines, wheel barrows, poultry and piggery resources, seeds, organic fertilizers, piglets, farm boots, spray knapsacks, watering cans, cages, among others.

Speaking on Wednesday during the distribution of the items, Wife of Anambra state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo described the project as significant in view of its impact to the farmers, their families, community, state and the country at large.

She said each of the beneficiaries were selected through transparent, random process after a comprehensive training period.

Congratulating the beneficiaries for being ‘super lucky’, the governor’s wife urged them to make the best use of the items they were empowered with, just as she warned that none of them were to be sold or used for something different from the objectives of the program.

She expressed hope that the project would address issues of unemployment and poverty as beneficiaries would not just be gainfully employed but become employers of labour.

She said, “On behalf of the wife of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, I welcome you all to the Renewed Hope Agricultural Support Program.

“This event is significant for two reasons. First is that after today, your life would have had a greater impact; one that will not only benefit you but benefit your family, community, Anambra State, and our dear country at large.

“Secondly, you have passed through a comprehensive training period that prepares you for this important moment. Each one of you was selected through a transparent, random process.

“In line with the mandate of the program, we carefully laid down a seamless selection pattern that took note of individual criteria for the training and empowerment programs. You all are super lucky to be part of today’s event.

“The Renewed Hope Agriculture Support Program is a medium scale agro support initiative that targets individuals who have the right passion to venture into lucrative agro-businesses.

“You all have been trained in different departments including: Feed processing, vegetable farming, drip irrigation installation, and piggery. Each of these training areas offers you a platform to learn, develop, and become financially sustained.

“We were keenly intentional with every process leading up to this phase. Following up strictly on the programme directive, as has been instructed by the First Lady, we have ensured that every one of you who will leave here today is going home with something worth the wait.

“The selection criteria for this programme were carefully run through to ensure equal representation across board. From different women groups, youth organizations, political associations, school clubs, we have brought together a complete group of like-minded individuals who are driven by the foundational goals of this programme and are keen to making a difference through its rewards.

“The president’s wife is super proud of your tenacity, commitment, belief, and sacrifice. I’m impressed by your zeal, brilliance, and passion. We’re so, so proud of you.

“Today, you all will be heading home with rewards of your passion. Nothing could be as deserved as that. You have given this program your all: time, energy, attention, trust, name it? Today, the gains are right here before you.

“Economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and we have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six (6) geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“We recognize that empowering women and youths economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women and youth thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and the nation prosper.

“As you go back home today with these valuable items, I urge you to make the best use of them. You have been empowered for a particular purpose, and we expect you to make that purpose count. What you are going home with today is not to be sold or used for something different from the objectives of the program.

“So you must use them wisely and work harder to make the best benefits from them. The expectation is that you will not just become employed but ultimately lead a network of people who would find an exemplary impact from your businesses.

“We have trained you. Now, it is your turn to train others. Like that, we can end unemployment and poverty, build financial independence, create better income platforms, raise financial growth, and grow our economy.

“I thank you all for taking part in this wonderful program. You’re not just beneficiaries but an important part of a magnificent economic process. Please make the best of this rare opportunity.”

Earlier, Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike commended Nigeria’s First Lady for demonstrating love and passion for the state through the program, calling for judicious utilization of the items.
Commissioner for Women affairs, Ify Obinabo said the Soludo-led government through the program is practicing the “don’t give me fish, teach me how to fish” principle, just as she commended wife of governor for her exemplary leadership.

On his part, Commissioner for Agriculture, Foster Ihejiofor praised the Tinubu’s wife for extending the initiative to the state, stressing that agriculture remained the most available asset to the economy of any society.