First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has launched the North Central Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) and also announced the National Fabric Competition #ONE NIGERIA/unity fabric.
Senator Tinubu who disclosed this during the launching of RHI-WASP for North Central in Jos, Plateau State on Tuesday said the competition shall seek to create a fabric that is indigenous, promotes peace, and unifies everyone as Nigerians.
She explained that the competition is open to all Nigerians within and outside the shores of the country between ages of 15-25 years old adding that the winner of the competition will be given a cash prize of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000) to be channelled towards his/her education or business venture as the case may be.
The First Lady who said call for entries has begun and submission of entries closes on the 30th of June, 2024 added that the Unity Fabric will be launched on the 1st of October, 2024.
On the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Programme for the North Central Zone, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the launching was in fulfillment of the
promise to continue to promote the womenfolk, particularly farmers
across the Nation.
According to her, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognized the pivotal role that agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency adding that the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to supporting women farmers nationwide aligns with the broader National agenda to strengthen the agricultural sector.
“Today, we are supporting twenty (20) women farmers per State in the North Central Zone with the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) each. To this end, a draft of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) per State for the North Central Zone will be handed over to the First Ladies of Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa,Niger, and Plateau who are also RHI State Coordinators for onward disbursement to all beneficiaries in their respective States. The draft for the beneficiaries in Benue State and the FCT will be received by their Respective RHI Coordinators.
“These are for farmers in the agrarian sector, animal husbandry, poultry, and fish farming. In a short while, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower more potential farmers.
“In this phase, 75% of the beneficiaries will be young female farmers while 25% will be for our young male farmers. They will all be specially identified, trained and empowered. Also, the pre-identified eighty (80) women farmers in each State for our agricultural support programme will be carried along”.
She therefore implored women farmers receiving support to seize the opportunity to expand their agricultural ventures, contribute to local and national food production, and serve as role models for others aspiring to join the agricultural sector.
In her welcome address, the first lady of Plateau State, Barrister Mrs Helen Muftwang said the launching was a testimony to the First Lady’s commitment to promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and economic empowerment for all members of the society.
“It is therefore, noteworthy that the remarkable show of commitment demonstrated by our leader, the First Lady, Her Excellency Sen. Tinubu is worthy of commendation because this support will enable the women to reach their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of our agricultural sector.
“Similarly, disabled individuals in our society also face significant barriers to economic empowerment and social inclusion. Again, the First Lady of the nation took it upon herself to provide them with the necessary support and resources to live fulfilling and productive lives. By offering financial assistance and opportunities for skill development, she has helped disabled individuals become self-reliant and active members of society”.
She therefore charged all the nominees and beneficiaries to ensure that they properly utilize these resources and make the impact of the initiative visible enough for everyone to see.