The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has trained and empowered women farmers in Nasarawa State with N26 million.
The programme is aimed at unlocking the potentials of women and youth in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and promote agricultural development in the state.
Performing the symbolic presentation on Wednesday in Lafia, the wife of the State Governor, Hajiya Silifat Sule, explained that the beneficiaries were women farmers’ groups selected from across the 13 local government areas of the state.
The governor’s wife, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs
Tosin Akabe, urged the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the cash to enhance food security.
According to her, the state was blessed with fertile land and a rich agricultural heritage, calling on the beneficiaries to continue working hard to unlock their potential and ensure the availability of food in the state and country at large.
She said the initiative also promotes organic farming practices and homegrown gardens, emphasising their importance in sustainable agricultural development.
“It is an honor to stand before you as we launch this vital agricultural support program under the Renewed Hope Initiative. We are gathered here to celebrate potentials, ignite ambition, and reaffirm our unwavering belief in the power of youth and women, particularly in the critical area of food, nutrition, and security.
“This agricultural support program is not just about providing tools and resources; it is about investing in youths and women to become leaders in the agriculture sector for sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
She charged the beneficiaries to embrace opportunities for growth despite the challenges ahead to build a stronger and more prosperous Nasarawa state.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tanko Tunga, represented by the Assistant Director, Planning and Research, Mrs Chinyere Nwaosuocha, applauded the First Lady and charged the beneficiaries to utilize the training and resources judiciously.
Prof Ibrahim Haruna, a Resource Person at the training, emphasized the need to embrace homegrown gardens and maintain them using organic manure, animal dung, and nets to prevent animals from entering the garden.
Earlier, in her remarks, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Princess Margaret Elayo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Yonah, thanked the Federal Government and the wife of the Governor, stating that the empowerment would boost women’s Agro-business.
The Voice reports that the beneficiaries were selected women’s groups, each from the 13 LGAs of the state, who received N2 million each.
