By Our Reporter, Lafia
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady has trained and empowered women farmers in Nasarawa State with N26 million.
Hajiya Silifat Sule, the wife of the governor of Nasarawa State, while performing the symbolic presentation on Wednesday in Lafia enjoined the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the cash to enhance food security.
Silifat who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Tosin Sheila Akabe explained that the beneficiaries who were women farmers groups selected from across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.
Silifat said the Nasarawa state has been blessed with fertile land and a rich agricultural heritage, noting that women and youth were the key to unlocking the potential and ensuring a sustainable future for the state.
“It is an honour to stand before you, as we launch this vital agricultural support programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
“We are gathered here to celebrate potentials to ignite ambition and reaffirm our unwavering belief in the power of youth and women, particularly in the critical area of food, nutrition and security.
“This Agricultural support programme is not just about providing tools and resources is about investing in youths and women to become leaders in the agriculture sector for sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
She enjoined the beneficiaries to embrace opportunities for growth despite the challenges ahead to build a stronger and more prosperous Nasarawa state.
Princess Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Yonah, while thanking the Federal Government and the wife of the Governor said the empowerment would boost women Agro business.
On his part, Mr Tanko Tunga, Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by the assistant director, planning and research, Mrs Chinyere Nwaosuocha applauded the First Lady and charged the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the resources judiciously.
Prof. Ibrahim Haruna, a Resource Person at the training emphasised the need to embrace homegrown gardens and maintenance of Homegrown gardens using organic manure, animal dung and nets to prevent animals from entering the garden.
The beneficiaries comprised of a women group each from the 13 Local Government Areas of the state, who got N2 million to support their farming activities.