Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the importance of initiatives targeting children and youth to foster a sustainable agricultural sector and expand food sufficiency in the country. Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with the Management team of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND) in her office, she highlighted the need for policies that encourage young people to become farmers.
Senator Tinubu noted that the challenge of limited farming land due to urbanization can be overcome through smart gardening techniques. She stated, “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.”
She explained that the proposed Young Farmers Club by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which will be launched soon in public primary and secondary schools, aims to support the Federal Government’s current food sufficiency drive. “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,” Tinubu added.
Mohammed Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of NADFUND, praised the First Lady’s agricultural programs, particularly the Women in Agric Support Program (WASP), the Young Farmers Club, and the #Every Home a Garden competition. He expressed the agency’s willingness to collaborate with the RHI, especially in mentorship, training, and logistics for women farmers across the States of the Federation.
