First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the distribution of farm inputs and tools to Kogi farmers under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Agricultural Support Programme.
Inaugurating the programme on Tuesday in Lokoja, Mrs Tinubu said the scheme supports women and youth farmers to boost agriculture and enhance livelihoods nationwide.
She listed four key support schemes: Women Agricultural Support Programme, Youth Agricultural Support Programme, Every Home a Garden Initiative, and the Young Farmers Club.
Represented by Kogi Governor’s wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, Mrs Tinubu said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s agenda to strengthen and modernize agriculture.
Mrs Ododo, speaking personally, thanked the First Lady for her leadership and efforts in empowering vulnerable groups through agriculture.
She noted the initiative would improve food output and stimulate economic development across Kogi.
She added that the programme targets women, youth, and students with inputs like agrochemicals, equipment, and financial support to boost farming.
According to her, the effort supports food sufficiency and contributes to national agricultural sustainability.
Mrs Ododo expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to uplift these groups and promote a hopeful, prosperous future.
She also revealed plans to launch a digital portal to gather data on women farmers and students in tertiary institutions.
This, she said, reaffirms her commitment to empowering women and ensuring inclusive development in the state.
She congratulated the beneficiaries, describing the support as an investment in farms, futures, and food security for all.
She urged the recipients to use the resources responsibly and maintain them for greater productivity and impact.
A cross section of beneficiaries of First Lady RHI Agricultural Support Programme, on Tuesday in Lokoja.
State Commissioners for Agriculture, Mr Timothy Ojomah, and for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, both praised the First Lady and Mrs Ododo.
Ojomah said the state government recently distributed assorted fertilisers to support wet season farming and ensure food security.
Jones, represented by Mrs Barikisu Omolayo, described the programme as a powerful link between education and agricultural progress.
He said involving youth fosters innovation, responsibility, and food security for the nation’s future.
The Ministry of Education, he added, remains committed to supporting initiatives that connect education with empowerment and productivity.
RHI Desk Officer in Kogi, Mr Abdulkabir Otaru, said 33 women will receive multipurpose agro-processing machines.
He added that 25 women poultry farmers would get 100-day-old chicks, feed, and wheelbarrows to grow their businesses.
Thirty-six youths will be supported with maize and cassava farming kits including improved seeds, herbicides, and fertilisers.
Otaru said 25 home gardeners would receive vegetable seeds, cocoa nut seedlings, organic fertilisers, and herbicides.
Under the Young Farmers Club, 150 students from 15 secondary schools will get inputs for maize and cassava production.
Two beneficiaries, Mrs Elizabeth Ayodele and a student, Rahimat Hassan, thanked the First Lady and pledged to use the items effectively.
