By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
LADY VALERIE Siminalayi Fubara, the wife of the Rivers State Governor, affirmed the state’s commitment to backing the programmes and policies of the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government aimed at enhancing the well-being of Rivers people.
She made this declaration following the flag-off of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) by Senator Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President.
Speaking at the event held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Fubara expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu for her support, emphasizing the successful launch of the programme in the South-South region. She highlighted the allocation of a N10 million fund from the President’s wife to benefit 20 beneficiaries from Rivers State, aimed at bolstering their agricultural endeavors.
Lady Fubara underscored the significance of the Renewed Hope Initiative, particularly its long-term benefits for all stakeholders. She reiterated the Rivers State Government’s unwavering support for initiatives empowering women and addressing food scarcity.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her address, announced the launch of the RHI-WASP in the South-South zone, alongside the Renewed Hope Initiative Financial Empowerment Support Programme for People with Disabilities Small Business Owners. She pledged financial support of N500,000 each for 20 women farmers in each South-South state, aligning with President Tinubu’s administration’s focus on agriculture and sustainable development.
The wife of the President emphasized the RHI’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in agriculture and enhancing food sufficiency nationwide. She revealed plans for future collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower more farmers across all states.
Additionally, Senator Tinubu announced the empowerment of 100 people with disabilities in Akwa Ibom State, providing each with N100,000 to boost their existing businesses. She commended the dedication of beneficiaries and urged them to utilize the opportunity for personal and national development.
The event witnessed the symbolic presentation of grants to beneficiaries and was attended by various dignitaries, including the wives of governors from the South-South states.