The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has advised that to expand the food sufficiency drive in Nigeria and make it sustainable, initiatives in the agricultural sector must be set up to encourage children and youth to become young farmers.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated this when she received the Management team of the National Agricultural Development Fund, (NADFUND) who were in her office to explore areas of collaboration.
She noted that the unavailability of farming land due to urbanization should not be a hindrance, as people can engage in smart gardening.
“We have a lot to show our youth and I believe the time is now. There is a huge disconnect between reality and fiction. There is a need to catch them young and have them do right. Once the children get it, it would be easy to bring it home,” the First Lady said.
Senator Tinubu explained further that the proposed Young Farmers Club by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which would be launched very soon in public primary and secondary schools, will further sustain the current food sufficiency drive by the Federal Government.
“My being here is to support my husband and ensure we are able to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people and see what we can do especially for the women and youth,” she said.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NADFUND, Mohammed Ibrahim, commended the various agric centered programmes of the RHI by the First Lady, particularly, the Women in Agric Support Programme (WASP), the Young Farmers Club and the #Every Home a Garden competition.
“The competition and your own garden show exemplary leadership from you. This further emphasizes that ensuring food security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the Agency is willing to collaborate with RHI especially in the areas of mentorship, training and logistics for women farmers across States of the Federation.
Mohammed Ibrahim also presented the document of the aims and mission of NADFUND to the First Lady.
