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First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative Boosts Agriculture in Rivers State with ₦10m Donation

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 13, 2024

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Port Harcourt, June 13, 2024 — The Renewed Hope Initiative, spearheaded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, has disbursed ₦10 million to 20 female farmers in Rivers State. This initiative aims to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure the availability of food items at more affordable prices, mitigating the high inflation rate in Nigeria.

The cheques, amounting to ₦500,000 each, were presented to the beneficiaries by Lady Valerie Fubara, wife of the Rivers State Governor, on behalf of the First Lady. The event took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Addressing the recipients, Lady Fubara encouraged them to use the funds to expand their farms and meet the expectations set by Senator Tinubu. She acknowledged that while the donation might not cover all their needs, it symbolized the support and care of the First Lady.

“It is a seed investment in your agricultural businesses, backed by the prayers of the founder for your success. I urge you to make the best use of it,” Fubara stated. She emphasized the importance of frugality and dedication, urging the women to ensure that the investment leads to increased and improved harvests in the coming months.

The Renewed Hope Initiative plans to extend this support to 80 more beneficiaries in subsequent phases, as directed by the board. Lady Fubara highlighted previous efforts by the initiative in Rivers State, including support for the elderly, provision of exercise books to school children through the Ministry of Education and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and various measures to ease the burden on families. A Rivers State resident has also benefited from the Belarus RHI International Scholarship.

Lady Fubara expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu for her foresight and commitment to the initiative, which continues to positively impact lives in the state.

Commenting on the state government’s agricultural efforts, Lady Fubara noted that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is reviewing agricultural policies to address sector challenges. The state government is also committed to reviving state-owned agricultural intervention schemes, such as the Songhai Integrated Farms, and encouraging private investment in the sector.

The Women in Agriculture Support Program is the third empowerment initiative launched by the Renewed Hope Initiative in Rivers State, following successful schemes for the elderly and students earlier this year.