FG, First Lady empower Nasarawa women farmers with N26m
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, has trained and empowered women farmers across Nasarawa State with N26 million to boost food production ahead of the rainy season.
The initiative, executed through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, provided women from the state’s 13 local government areas with training on modern farming techniques before granting them financial support.
Speaking at the Government House in Lafia on Wednesday, the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, presented the funds on behalf of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
While noting that the empowerment was aimed at improving their livelihoods, Tinubu enjoined the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the cash to enhance food security.
She said, “It is an honour to stand before you, as we launch this vital agricultural support programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Nasarawa State is blessed with fertile land and a rich agricultural heritage. I think that women and youths have the key to unlocking the potential to ensure a sustainable future for the state.
“We are gathered here to celebrate potentials to ignite ambition and reaffirm our unwavering belief in the power of the women and youth, particularly in the critical area of food, nutrition and security.
“This agricultural support programme is not just about providing tools and resources, it is about investing in the residents to become leaders in the agriculture sector for sustainable livelihoods.”
She, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity for growth despite the challenges that may abound to build a stronger and more prosperous Nasarawa State.
On her part, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Margaret Elayo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Emmanuel Yonah, thanked Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the training and financial empowerment.
She said the gesture will go a long way to make the women farmers financially independent, which would enable them to contribute to the growth of the society.
A resource person at the training, Prof. Ibrahim Haruna, emphasised the need for women farmers to embrace the idea and maintenance of homegrown gardens using organic manure, animal dung, and nets to prevent animals from entering the garden.
