By Olaide Ajibola, JKNMedia Reporter
NIGERIA’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in a significant move towards empowering women in agriculture, as part of a social intervention programme, has unveiled an initiative to empower a total of 120 women from the six southwest states with N60 million naira.
Under the Renewed Hope Initiative, she said the gesture is aimed at promoting food security and sufficiency.
Led by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the First Ladies of both Ogun and Oyo states, Tinubu said the initiative is dedicated to supporting and uplifting women in agriculture, adding that RHI project symbolizes the determination of his administration to uplift women farmers, invigorating the agricultural framework and aligning with the sustainable development goals to ensure food security and sufficiency, he said investing in women extends beyond moral obligations.
During her welcome address, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Ogun RHI Coordinator, emphasized the initiative’s focus on celebrating and empowering women in agriculture and praised Mrs. Tinubu for also sponsoring students interested in agriculture to Belarus for further studies, and expressed optimism that the efforts would eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities.
In her remarks, Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, Oyo First Lady and Southwest Zonal Coordinator, RHI, emphasized that the support programme would lift women in agricultural sectors in both states and encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the support wisely.
He also said that through various programmes and initiatives, the non-governmental organization is providing women farmers with resources and support they need to thrive in the sector.
By strengthening the agricultural framework and ensuring access to essential tools and training, these women are being equipped to contribute significantly to food production in their communities.
Noting that his commitment and that of the First Ladies of Ogun and Oyo states to empower women in agriculture is truly commendable, Governor Abiodun affirmed that their efforts are not only to enhance the livelihoods of these women, but also to contribute to the overall food security in the region.
Governor Abiodun notes that the RHI is a shining example of how targeted intervention can make a difference in the lives of women farmers.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also stressed that with continued support and dedication, the beneficiaries will be able to play vital roles in ensuring a sustainable and secure food supply for their communities, ensure that women have the resources and support they need to thrive in the sector, as well as enhance their individual livelihoods among others.
