The wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered no fewer than 200 farmers from across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State with agricultural training, financial support, and farm equipment.
The empowerment was done under the First Lady’s “Renewed Hope Initiative” agricultural support programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, aimed at boosting food sustainability in the state.
The wife of the Anambra State Governor and the coordinator of the programme in the state, Dr Nonye Soludo, who supervised the event held at the Anambra State Polytechnic, Mbaukwu, on Thursday, said the initiative was a testament to the President’s wife’s dedication to empowering rural farmers in agriculture and ensuring food security.
Soludo stated that the empowerment would enhance financial independence and help farmers unlock their full potential in agriculture to effectively play their pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic diversification.
She said, “This initiative is designed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen food security. At the end of the training, the successful ones will be empowered with funds.
“Agriculture has long been the backbone of the country’s economy, particularly in the South-East, providing sustenance, employment, and economic empowerment to millions.
“Here in Anambra State, over 200 farmers will be trained and supported in different agricultural programmes such as crop production, fishery or poultry farming, among others. By empowering the farmers, we are not only enhancing food security but also promoting economic growth.”
She urged the beneficiaries to embrace best agriculture practices, thereby contributing to a sustainable agricultural system that fosters value addition and long-term food security.
She also noted that the programme focuses on the following key initiatives—the Anambra State Women Agricultural Support Programme, the Youth Agricultural Support Programme, and the Every Home a Garden Initiative.
According to her, these initiatives will equip women and young farmers with essential resources to expand their agricultural ventures while contributing to local and national food production.
She noted that all states have been empowered to train and support women farmers, assist young farmers, encourage home gardening, and revitalise the Young Farmers initiatives nationwide.
Soludo the beneficiaries to extend the knowledge they will acquire during the training to others in their various communities and farm settlements.
In her remarks, the acting Rector, Anambra State Polytechnic, Njideka Chikezie, while commending both the federal and state governments for the initiative, said the training would encourage more young people to venture into farming apart from supporting those already in agriculture.
“Your commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, and encouraging organic farming is truly admirable. Your efforts have not only improved the health and well-being of our citizens but have also contributed to the economic growth and development of our state.
“Our students and staff have gained valuable knowledge and skills in backyard farming, which has enabled us to establish our own vegetable farm. This has not provided us with fresh produce, but has served as a practical learning platform for us, ” Chikezie added.
Source - https://punchng.com
