President’s Wife Launches Renewed Hope Initiative for South-West Women and Agriculture

Towards empowering women and enhancing agriculture in Nigeria, the President’s wife, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme for the South-West region.

This significant event took place at the Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, April 17, 2024.

The initiative aims to support women farmers across the six South-West states with a total of N60 million. Specifically, 20 women from each state will receive the sum of N500,000 to bolster their agricultural efforts.

Additionally, Mrs. Tinubu has pledged N10 million to assist 100 persons with disabilities, enabling them to capitalize on their existing businesses.

Senator Tinubu expressed her commitment to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower farmers, emphasizing that 75% of the beneficiaries will be young female farmers and 25% young male farmers.

These individuals will be identified, trained, and empowered through the program to contribute to local and national food production.

The first lady emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to expand agricultural ventures, thereby enhancing food sufficiency and security.

She also highlighted the inclusion of pre-identified women farmers in each state for the agricultural support program, ensuring comprehensive assistance for all participants.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, present at the event, emphasized the state government’s commitment to supporting women and agriculture through various initiatives.

The Oko’owo Dapo scheme has already assisted over 50,000 women in growing their businesses, while the Ogun Broiler Empowerment Scheme has empowered over 500 women agric entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, the state has implemented the Ibi-Dero initiative, providing free pre-natal, post-natal, and neo-natal care for pregnant indigent women.

Governor Abiodun highlighted the importance of women in driving agricultural innovation and economic growth.

He underscored the significance of the Renewed Hope Initiative in uplifting women farmers, fortifying the agricultural framework, and aligning with the sustainable development goals to ensure food security and sufficiency.

Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the first lady and state coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in Ogun State, emphasized the initiative’s focus on celebrating and empowering women in agriculture.

She commended Senator Tinubu’s efforts in sponsoring students with an interest in agriculture to Belarus for further studies, thereby strengthening the agriculture value chain in the state.

Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, the South West Zonal Coordinator for the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and wife of the Governor of Oyo State, highlighted the program’s potential to improve the agriculture sector of the states.

She urged the beneficiaries to use the support judiciously to make a lasting impact in their communities.

The launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative for South-West Women and Agriculture by Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu marks a significant milestone in empowering women and enhancing food security in Nigeria.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting women in agriculture and promoting economic growth in the South-West region and beyond.