By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the North Central Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) and introduced the National Fabric Competition #ONE NIGERIA/unity fabric.
During the launch of RHI-WASP in Jos, Plateau State, Senator Tinubu revealed that the competition aims to create a fabric that is indigenous, promotes peace, and unifies all Nigerians. The competition is open to Nigerians aged 15-25, with the winner receiving a cash prize of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000) for education or business ventures.
Entries for the Unity Fabric competition are being accepted until June 30, 2024, with the fabric set to be unveiled on October 1, 2024.
She highlighted the importance of supporting women farmers and mentioned that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes the significance of agriculture in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency.
“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”.
The first lady of Plateau State, Barrister Mrs. Helen Muftwang, commended Senator Tinubu for her dedication to promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and economic empowerment. She urged all nominees and beneficiaries to utilize the resources provided effectively to make a visible impact.
“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”.
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