By Peter Omopo
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the pivotal role of women and youth in addressing the country’s food insecurity, urging increased participation in agriculture as a pathway to economic stability and national development.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the second phase of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women and Youth Agricultural Support Programme in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mrs. Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said women and youth are critical stakeholders in the nation’s agricultural transformation.
She noted that with Nigeria’s vast population of energetic youth and women constituting over 60% of the rural agricultural workforce, greater engagement of these groups in farming would significantly boost food production.
“This initiative is more than just a programme; it is a strategic investment in food security, job creation, and poverty reduction,” Mrs. Tinubu said.
The agricultural support programme, a flagship project under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), comprises three core components: the Young Farmers Initiative, Every Home a Garden, and Women in Agriculture. The schemes are designed to build capacity, provide financing, training, and access to markets for young people and women in agriculture.
“The Young Farmers Initiative will equip youths with the tools to innovate in agribusiness, while Women in Agriculture will empower rural women with critical support. The Every Home a Garden campaign aims to help families grow food at home, improve nutrition, and reduce living costs,” she added.
Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the positive impact of the first rollout of the programme in the state last year and expressed optimism that the expanded phase would further strengthen support for women farmers.
She praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritizing agriculture and aligning his administration’s efforts with the federal Renewed Hope Agenda, while also acknowledging the contributions of farmers’ associations to the nation’s economy and food supply.
