Nigeria’s First Lady and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on farmers in Rivers State to maximise the agricultural empowerment support programme by cultivating seedlings, nurturing livestock, and ensuring high yields to strengthen Nigeria’s food security.
Represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this call during the official distribution of agricultural support materials to 800 pre-selected farmers at the Government House Field in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The event, organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Rivers State Government, and the Young Farmers’ Club of Nigeria, forms part of ongoing efforts to empower farmers and improve local food systems.
Delivering the First Lady’s message, Lady Valerie Fubara urged the beneficiaries to take full ownership of their farms and contribute meaningfully to national food production.
“Grow these seedlings, nurture these livestock, and turn them into good yields. As you do that, you will also reawaken the entrepreneurial spirit that we are known for,” she said.
She described the initiative as a practical step towards reviving Nigeria’s agricultural potential, noting its alignment with past government programmes such as Operation Feed the Nation and Green Revolution.
According to her, the RHI embodies a sincere commitment to empowering Nigerians while promoting self-reliance and national prosperity.
“This support programme is not just assistance; it is an investment that will lead to food surplus and help combat scarcity,” she added.
Lady Fubara revealed that the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is complementing the federal effort by providing additional support for 400 farmers, 100 young and 300 older participants, bringing the total beneficiaries to 800.
“The First Lady of Nigeria is trusting you to make the best use of this opportunity,” she said. “The Rivers State Government believes in your ability; do not let us down.”
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, described the initiative as a vital platform promoting inclusivity and bridging socio-economic gaps.
“This initiative embodies the Federal Government’s commitment to improving lives through sustainable and inclusive development,” she noted, commending Lady Valerie Fubara for localising the programme effectively.
The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, hailed the programme as timely and impactful, encouraging the beneficiaries to be role models for future participants.
“You are the first set of beneficiaries. Please, show a good example so that the programme will be replicated. Let it not die in your hands,” she said.
Similarly, the Supervising Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii, praised the First Lady’s vision, describing the initiative as a crucial step towards achieving food security, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
He highlighted that the project “uplifts women, creates jobs, and secures a sustainable economic future.”
In her welcome address, Rivers State Coordinator of RHI, Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide, explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected across the three senatorial districts, including members of the Female Farmers’ Association, the Young Farmers’ Club, and non-indigenes.
Each beneficiary received farm implements, seedlings, fingerlings, livestock, and starter packs aimed at boosting productivity and encouraging greater youth engagement in agriculture.
The Renewed Hope Initiative continues to reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and self-reliance.
Source: This Day
