The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for increased youth involvement in agriculture as a critical step towards bolstering the country’s food security.
She made this appeal during a meeting with the wives of state governors, who serve as state coordinators for the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
In her remarks, the First Lady emphasized the importance of channeling the energy of young Nigerians into productive pursuits like agriculture, which she sees as a key contributor to the nation’s food security. “If our young ones are engaged in farming, it will have a positive impact as they contribute to feeding the nation and enhancing food security,” she stated.
Senator Tinubu also encouraged women to grow crops in their backyards, explaining that home gardening promotes healthy eating and ensures a steady food supply. She shared her own experience with home farming, highlighting the benefits of harvesting organic foods for her family, and urged the wives of state governors to promote home-grown foods among their citizens.
As part of the RHI’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the First Lady announced the #EveryHomeAGarden competition, which is nearing its conclusion with three entries shortlisted from various states. The competition winner will be announced in December.
Reflecting the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reducing food insecurity, Senator Tinubu said the RHI is helping women engage in agriculture to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The First Lady also highlighted the success of similar initiatives in Lagos, such as the Spelling Bee and the “One Day Governor” program, which encouraged public school students to excel academically. “Just like when I was teaching, we pushed our students to excel, and they did. Many even achieved first-class degrees,” she added.
Furthermore, the First Lady outlined other RHI initiatives, including scholarship and bursary awards for underprivileged Nigerian students, the Infrastructure Renewal Project, Early Childhood Development Programme, Women and Young Farmers Support Programme, Fertilizer Distribution, and the Young Farmers Club.
During the meeting, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security announced its collaboration with the RHI. The ministry will provide 68 million naira to each state for four agricultural initiatives, with a focus on empowering women and young farmers.
“We are partnering with the RHI to reach all states through the wives of governors,” explained the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi. The initiatives include training and empowerment for women farmers, food processing for food security, support for young farmers, and promoting the #EveryHomeAGarden initiative.
The First Lady’s call for youth engagement in agriculture underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s food security and harnessing the potential of the country’s young population.
