Food Security: Nigerian women, youth urged to invest in agriculture

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday called on women and youth to increase their participation in agriculture, describing them as key stakeholders in addressing Nigeria’s food insecurity challenge.

Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor, who represented her at the launch of the second phase of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women and Youth Agricultural Support Programme in Abeokuta, Senator Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s abundant youthful population and the role women play constituting over 60% of the rural agricultural workforce hold potential for boosting national food production.

The RHI agricultural support programme, spearheaded by Mrs. Tinubu, features three major initiatives: The Young Farmers Initiative, Every Home a Garden, and Women in Agriculture. She explained that the programmes are designed not only to strengthen food security but also to generate employment and alleviate poverty, aligning with SDGs 1, 2, and 5.

“Through financing, training, and access to markets, we aim to empower women and young people in agriculture. The ‘Every Home a Garden’ campaign, in particular, will help families grow food at home, improving nutrition and reducing living costs,” she stated.

Since its launch last year, the programme has reportedly had a measurable impact on women farmers across the state. Senator Tinubu praised Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritising agricultural development in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the event, agricultural tools such as wheelbarrows, herbicides, watering cans, chicks, and seedlings were distributed to selected women and youth farmers.

Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owootomo, lauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve food production and empower rural communities. They also warned the beneficiaries against selling the equipment and encouraged proper use to maximize impact.

Also present was Mrs. Ibilola Kusimo, Chairperson of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State chapter, who acknowledged the gesture and urged beneficiaries to make the best of the opportunity.