Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the need for increased youth involvement in agriculture as part of the country’s efforts to boost food security. Speaking at a meeting with state First Ladies, who serve as coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Tinubu highlighted agriculture as a valuable channel for youth to contribute to the nation’s food supply and economic stability.

“If our young ones are into farming, it is a positive thing—they will also contribute to feeding the nation and ensuring food security,” said the First Lady. She further encouraged women to grow crops in their own backyards, noting that her personal experience with home farming has provided her family with healthy, organic foods.

The meeting also featured a briefing on the RHI’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to support local farming initiatives. Under the #EveryHomeAGarden campaign, RHI promotes home gardening to inspire self-sufficiency and enhance food availability nationwide. The initiative’s ongoing gardening competition will conclude in December, with three finalists set to compete for the top prize.

Senator Tinubu urged governors’ wives to spread the message of home-grown food and to support the initiative’s goal of reducing food insecurity. “Every garden is a winner,” she remarked, stressing that small-scale farming efforts can have a significant impact on the nation’s food supply. She also called on privileged Nigerians to adopt and support less fortunate individuals, highlighting the importance of community support.

Partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture

During the meeting, Minister of State for Agriculture Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi announced that the ministry, in collaboration with the RHI, will allocate ₦68 million per state to fund projects under the Women Agricultural Support Programme (WASP). The program, which aims to empower women and young farmers, will focus on training, food processing, and the revival of the Young Farmers Club.

According to Minister Sabi, the fund distribution will target 60% women and 40% young male farmers. “When every home has a garden, whatever it produces will contribute to food security,” he said. The funds will be channeled through the offices of the governors’ wives, who serve as state coordinators of the RHI.

The ministry is nearing the final stages of fund disbursement, which will support initiatives in training, food processing, youth farming, and the establishment of home gardens.

Tribute and New Introduction

The meeting observed a moment of silence for two significant losses: Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, and Pastor Patience Eno, the late wife of Akwa Ibom State’s governor. The First Lady also introduced Mrs. Helen Eno-Obareki as the new First Lady Designate of Akwa Ibom, following her mother’s recent passing.

The First Lady reiterated her commitment to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to address food insecurity and empower Nigerian families.

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Signed,
Busola Kukoyi, SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria