The federal ministry of agriculture and food security in collaboration with the first lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has trained and empowered women farmers in Nasarawa state with N26 million.

The wife of Nasarawa state governor, Silifat Sule, who performed the symbolic presentation on Wednesday in Lafia, enjoined the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the cash to enhance food security.

Mrs Sule, who was represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Tosin Sheila Akabe, said that the beneficiaries were women farmers groups, selected across the 13 local government areas of the state.

She said that Nasarawa state was 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.

“We are gathered here to celebrate potential, ignite ambition and reaffirm 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, it is about investing in youths and women, to become leaders in the agriculture sector for sustainable livelihoods,” Mrs Sule said.

She enjoined the beneficiaries to embrace opportunities for growth, in spite of the challenges ahead, and to build a stronger and more prosperous Nasarawa state.

Margaret Elayo, the commissioner for women affairs and humanitarian services, thanked the federal government and the governor’s wife for the initiative.

Ms Elayo, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Emmanuel Yonah, said that the empowerment would boost women’s agro-businesses.

On his part, the commissioner for agriculture, Tanko Tunga, who was represented by the assistant director, planning and research, Chinyere Nwaosuocha, applauded the first lady for the initiative.

He charged the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the resources judiciously.

Ibrahim Haruna, a resource person at the training, emphasised the need to embrace homegrown gardens and to maintain them using organic manure, animal dung and nets, to prevent animals from entering the garden.

The beneficiaries comprised of one women group each from the 13 local government areas of the state.

Each group got N2 million to support their farming activities. 

(NAN)