Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 800 farmers in Rivers State through her flagship agricultural programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aimed at promoting food security and economic self-reliance across the country.
The empowerment programme, held at the Government House Field in Port Harcourt, provided beneficiaries with essential farm inputs, including seedlings, livestock, fertilizers, and starter packs, to help strengthen agricultural productivity and entrepreneurship among rural farmers.
Represented by Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to supporting grassroots development through agriculture. She charged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the materials received, emphasizing that food production remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and national wellbeing.
“We must all join hands to build a foundation for a food-secure Nigeria. Agriculture is not just a means of livelihood; it is the key to our collective prosperity,” Mrs. Tinubu said in her address.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Rivers State Government, and the Young Farmers’ Club of Nigeria.
In addition to the RHI support, the Rivers State Government announced its own contribution to the initiative, pledging support for 400 more farmers including 100 young farmers and 300 older ones to further expand agricultural activities across the state.
Lady Valerie Fubara commended the First Lady’s vision and described the empowerment as a timely intervention that aligns with the state’s drive to enhance food production and reduce dependence on imports.
“This programme will go a long way in improving food sufficiency and creating sustainable livelihoods for our people,” she noted.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity, promising to apply the knowledge and resources provided to increase yields and strengthen local food systems.
The Renewed Hope Initiative, launched by Senator Oluremi Tinubu in 2023, continues to empower women, youths, and farmers nationwide, fostering inclusivity and productivity through skill acquisition and entrepreneurship.
