… Provides Agricultural Supplies, Grants to 400 Farmers in Delta
By Sunday Apah
On Wednesday, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the essential role of agriculture in ensuring food security, generating employment, and fostering economic development.
Her remarks came during an event where farm supplies and financial support were distributed to 400 farmers as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Agricultural Support Program, in partnership with the You Matter Charity Foundation, held at the Events Centre in Asaba.
Having Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the wife of the Delta State Governor, represent her, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her pleasure at seeing active participation from women, young farmers, secondary school students, and cooperative groups in agricultural endeavors.
She stated, “Gardening, a long-standing tradition, has nourished our ancestors and continues to hold value for families today.”
Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the ‘Every Home a Garden’ initiative, which points to home gardening as an effective means to alleviate economic pressures on households.
“The beauty of it is that it isn’t restricted by gender or age. Cultivating your own food contributes to healthier eating habits, enhances your diet, and offers fresh, nutritious produce,” she explained.
She added, “I believe that we can indeed grow our own food. Our land is bountiful; once planted, it can thrive and produce abundant yields.
“The primary goal of this initiative is to redirect our focus and enhance food production nationwide. It’s about nourishing our families and sharing the surplus with our neighbors.”
Mrs. Tinubu revealed that the initiative’s beneficiaries will include women, youths, secondary school students, and farming collectives, who will receive various agricultural tools and seedlings.
“I hope this gesture motivates you all. I encourage you to strive for excellence as you return to your farming activities.
“I have started my own garden at home, and soon I will harvest corn, vegetables, and other crops. On a lighter note, I am more than happy to share with you.
“For those who are yet to embark on this journey, I encourage you to consider it. Together, we can transition from scarcity to abundance.”
In her opening remarks, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Catherine Onyeme, stated that the event aimed to empower student farmers, women, youths, and cooperative agricultural groups in Delta State.
“This event symbolizes our steadfast commitment to equipping farmers with the necessary tools and financial resources to flourish.
“Through the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Agricultural Support Program, led by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, we reaffirm our dedication to bolstering agriculture as a vital contributor to economic development,” she declared.
Highlighting the significant challenges faced by farmers, such as limited access to resources, funding, and modern techniques, she stated, “Empowering farmers is not just an intervention; it is crucial. It fosters hope, enhances food security, increases household income, and positions agriculture as a transformative enterprise.”
She thanked Mrs. Tinubu for her inspiring leadership and commitment to the Renewed Hope Initiative, urging beneficiaries to seize the opportunity effectively.
Deaconess Oborevwori stated, “Let this support serve as a foundation for achieving greater milestones, improving food production, generating job opportunities, and furthering the vision of prosperity for Delta State and Nigeria.
“To all participants here today, let us continue to cultivate a Delta State and a Nigeria where agriculture flourishes, women are empowered, and prosperity is available to everyone.”
The Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Val Arenyeka, also spoke at the event, stressing the vital role of farmers in maintaining food security and urging the community to embrace farming for self-sufficiency.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Harry Triakriowei, expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Tinubu for involving Delta’s youth in the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on enhancing food security and income generation through agriculture.
