Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, has emphasized the pivotal role of women and youth in combating food insecurity in Nigeria. She called on both groups to increase their participation and investment in the agricultural sector, describing them as vital stakeholders in ensuring the nation’s food sufficiency.
Speaking through Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor, at the launch of the expanded Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women and Youth Agricultural Support Programme in Abeokuta, Sen. Tinubu highlighted that women make up over 60% of the rural agricultural workforce, while the nation boasts a dynamic youth population capable of driving innovation in agriculture.
The initiative, spearheaded by Sen. Tinubu, includes three key programmes: the Young Farmers Initiative, Every Home a Garden, and Women in Agriculture. These programmes aim to boost food security, create employment, and reduce poverty—key goals aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, and 5.
She noted, “The Young Farmers Initiative is set to empower youths with skills and innovation in agribusiness, while the Women in Agriculture programme supports rural women through financing, training, and market access. The Every Home a Garden campaign encourages households to grow their own food, enhancing nutrition and easing household expenses.”
Tinubu commended the impact of the programme’s initial rollout and expressed optimism that the second phase would double its success. She also applauded farmers for their dedication to sustaining the economy and acknowledged Governor Dapo Abiodun for his agricultural policies, which align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the event, agricultural inputs such as seedlings, chicks, sprayers, herbicides, and farming tools were distributed to women and youth participants.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, expressed gratitude to the First Lady, noting that the programme not only empowers women economically but also significantly boosts food production. She urged beneficiaries to use the tools effectively rather than selling them.
Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving food productivity through such initiatives. Mr. Sina Oyeniyi of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Mrs. Ibilola Kusimo, chair of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Ogun State, both praised the programme, encouraging recipients to make the most of the support.
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