Nigeria’s First Lady Commits to Supporting Women Farmers Nationwide

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, says the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) is committed to supporting women farmers nationwide in alignment with the broader national agenda to strengthen the agricultural sector.

Mrs. Tinubu stated this after a meeting with the Board and friends of the organisers of the #EveryHomeAgarden competition at the State House Abuja, where the winning entries from the States and the Federal Capital Territory were being reviewed.

The First Lady says the selection of the prospective winner is a painstaking one, as all entries from various states show that participants are probable winners.

“This selection process of the best three from the states that submitted entries is a tough one. These women did so so well and that is why I said even if they do not come out the overall winner, they must be compensated,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu said the competition is part of the food security revolution of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and in furtherance to promoting women’s inclusion, particularly farmers across the country.

She also noted that the competition, which commenced in February, is aimed at inculcating the habit of farming and food production into the society right from the family to promote eating healthy foods and sustainable farming.

Some of the RHI board members involved in the selection process, including the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shetimma, noted that it was really hard to get winners due to how good the gardens were.

Hajia Nana Shettima also commended the first lady for leading by example and for encouraging women in the country to be part of the food security drive of this administration.

Also Read: Renewed Hope Initiative Will Transform Lives-Mrs Tinubu

“To select the winner is something that is not easy but the particular message of the first lady to everyone is that you can feed yourself and later extend it to your neighbors.

“Therefore, they have done us proud to be part of this wonderful programme,” said Mrs Shettima.

The Wife of the Senate President, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio and the Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Mrs Barau Jibrin while sharing their experiences during the exercise also said that the selection process was not easy.

On her part, Hajia Jibrin Barau encouraged every Nigerian to continue with home gardening in the future even after the conclusion of the competition, adding that the beauty of it all is that they could feed themselves and share with their neighbours.

According to the Wife of the Speaker, House of Representative, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen Abass, “they all did well, it was even difficult to make a choice, every home a garden is a good initiative from the first lady.”

Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, said “all entries were highly commendable, very good and impressive, I don’t personally have a green thumb, I was impressed to see how well the women did, it is amazing what you can do at home no matter the size.”

The winner of the Renewed Hope Initiative Powered #EVERYHomeaGarden Competition will be announced in December 2024.