Empowers 100 PLWD in Plateau
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos –
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The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has reiterated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, recognises the pivotal role that agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency, hence her pet project the Renewed Hope Initiative is commitment to supporting women farmers nationwide to strengthen the agricultural sector.
The First Lady spoke in Jos on Tuesday during the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI Women Agricultural Support Programme for the North Central Geopolitical zone where she doled out the sum of N500,000 each to 20 women farmers per State in the
North Central Zone.
Tinubu who was represented by Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President and RHI Director on Economic Empowerment noted that the project is in fulfillment of the promise to promote women and urged women to seize the opportunity to expand their agricultural ventures, contribute to local and national food production, and serve as role models for others aspiring to join the agricultural sector.
She noted, “I am here in Jos, Plateau State for the North Central Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP). On the 28th of February, 2024, we were in the South East Zone in Imo State for
the maiden edition of this programme. I commend the dedication of the
beneficiaries in the zone and it is my hope that very soon they will begin
to reap bountiful harvest.
“Today, we are flagging off the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural
Support Programme for the North Central Zone in fulfilment of our
promise to continue to promote the womenfolk. The administration of President Bola Tinubu, recognizes the pivotal role that agriculture plays in achieving sustainable
development and ensuring food sufficiency.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to supporting women farmers nationwide aligns with the broader National agenda to strengthen the agricultural sector. Today, we are supporting 20 women farmers per State in the North Central Zone with the sum of N500,000 each. To this end, a draft of N10,000,000 per State for the North Central Zone will be handed over to the First Ladies of Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau who are also RHI State Coordinators for onward disbursement to all beneficiaries in their
respective States.
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“The draft for the beneficiaries in Benue State and the FCT will be received by their respective RHI Coordinators. These are for farmers in the agrarian sector, animal husbandry, poultry and fish farming. The Renewed Hope Initiative will be collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower more potential farmers. In this phase, 75% of the beneficiaries will be young female farmers while 25% will be for our young male farmers. They will all be specially identified, trained and empowered.”
She expressed optimism that “this initiative will not only transform the lives of the individual beneficiaries, but also contribute to food sufficiency in the North Central Zone,” and urged all stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders,
and non-governmental organizations, to work hand in hand to support
local farmers to ensure food security in our communities and nation at
large.
However, one hundred Persons Living with Disabilities who are operating small businesses in Plateau State were given a grant of N100,000 each through the
Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme (RHI-SIP) to capitalise their existing businesses.
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang who received the First Lady with her entourage who included the RHI Coordinators in the zone commended the initiative and stressed that,”Women have been the backbone of agriculture and if not for women, several homes would have scattered.”
He acknowledged the sacrifices in national development, and economic sustainability and restated his commitment to promote the development of the girl child and improve the capacity of women to take care of themselves, their families and society and promised that the beneficiaries would be supervised to make the best use of the resources.
Earlier in her remark, the First Lady of Plateau State, Helen Mutfwang through the State Commissioner of Higher Education, Kachollom Gang commended Senator Tinubu for the support saying it will enable the women to reach their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of the agricultural sector.
According to her, “… This event is a testimony to the First Lady’s commitment to promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and economic empowerment for all members of our society. Women play a crucial role in agriculture, not only in Nigeria but around the world. They are the pillar of our agricultural sector, contributing meaningfully to food production, processing, and marketing.
“However, women in agriculture often face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, lack of training and education, and gender-based discrimination. It is therefore, noteworthy that the remarkable show of commitment demonstrated by our leader, the First Lady, Her Excellency Sen. Tinubu is worthy of commendation because this support will enable the women to reach their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of our agricultural sector.
“Similarly, People Living with Disabilities also face significant barriers to economic empowerment and social inclusion. Again, the First Lady of the nation took it upon herself to provide them with the necessary support and resources to live fulfilling and productive lives. By offering financial assistance and opportunities for skill development, she has helped them to become self-reliant and active members of society. I congratulate all the beneficiaries, and charge you to please ensure that you properly utilise these resources and make the impact of this initiative visible enough for everyone to see.”
