The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday empowered 300 women and young farmers in Ogun State.
Her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) conducted the empowerment under its agricultural support initiative to boost food security and sustainable development.
The programme, which was coordinated by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, involved the distribution of seeds, seedlings, birds, fingerlings, fertilisers, milling machines, among other farm tools, to the beneficiaries.
It was in furtherance of RHI’s “Every Home a Garden”; “Women in Agriculture” and “Youths in Agriculture” programmes.
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The exercise also coincided with the launch of RHI’s expanded Agricultural Support Programme at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital, by Mrs. Abiodun.
The governor’s wife said the intervention demonstrated the First Lady’s commitment to agriculture and food production.
She hailed the farmers for their daily labour to sustain the economy and nourish fellow beings.
Mrs. Abiodun showered encomiums on Senator Tinubu for her visionary leadership and resolve to continually touch lives across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
She said: “The intervention is a commitment to transform agriculture in Nigeria — through the rollout of three powerful initiatives: the Young Farmers’ Initiative, Every Home a Garden, and Women in Agriculture.
“These programmes are not just agricultural interventions; they are strategic investments in our future. They are designed to enhance food security, create employment, and reduce poverty — all of which are central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Globally, agriculture remains one of the most effective tools for sustainable development — as recognised by the World Bank, which continues to affirm that growth in the agriculture sector is two to four times more effective in raising incomes among the poorest than growth in other sectors.
“I salute our farmers and farmers’ associations whose daily labour sustains our economy and nourishes our people. Whether you are a small holder farmer on your small half-plot or a big-time farmer, we appreciate all your efforts in feeding our people and pledge our support to you under this programme.
“The work we are doing is not just cultivating crops but a future productivity and self-reliance for our people.”