First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu under her Renewed Hope Initiative programme has provided financial grants, farm inputs and implements to 531 farmers in Zamfara.

Mrs Tinubu, represented by the wife of Zamfara State governor, Huriyya Lawal, made this known on Thursday at an event to round off the RHI programme held in Gusau.

She said, “The noble initiative has lit a torch of empowerment that will continue to shine across our homes, schools, and communities.  In the past few days, we have seen true transformation of women and youths, who engage in extensive training in modern sack farming, fish farming, goat farming, poultry farming, amongst others. These are not just skills, but keys to economic independence and food security for the nation.”

According to the president’s wife, 25 women who stood out during the programme were empowered with ₦200,000 cash grant each and essential gardening tools.

She said, “Also, 35 passionate women have been selected to champion this initiative across our communities, thereby creating a ripple effect of growth, food production, and sustainability.’’

She added that the initiative had also commissioned 160 students from eight schools across the state into the Young Farmers Club.

She said, “Each school has its own farm site on its premises, also a solar powered borehole, gardening tools, and start-up funds for maintenance was provided.’’

She disclosed further that the grand empowerment ceremony provided grants to 201 women and 110 young men under the Women and Youth in Agriculture Programme.

“Each of them will receive ₦50,000 start-up capital, a starter pack tailored to their selected farming area, and access to modern farming tools. Such tools include rice mills, power tillers, sprayers, dill mills, wheelbarrows, water pumps, and much more,” the first lady said.

She urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to better their lots and society at large.

She added. “My people, the future is green, let us embrace this path of growth, self-reliance, and sustainability. Let us water the seeds planted today; so, they may grow into a harvest of blessings for generations to come.’’

(NAN)