News Agency of Nigeria
FG committed to transforming agriculture sector for economic growth – VP Shettima
Agriculture

FG committed to transforming agriculture sector for economic growth – VP Shettima

184 total views today
By David Adeoye
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the Federal Government is resolved to transform the country’s agriculture sector to stimulate economic growth and be a national pride.
Shettima said this on Saturday at Ijaiye in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State during the groundbreaking of the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub, Ijaiye.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Vice President was represented at the event by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari.
He said the groundbreaking of the Agro-Industrial Hub, under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme, has marked a decisive stride in collective quest to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria.
Shettima said that the SAPZ initiative was one of the cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu.
“A vision rooted in restoring Nigeria’s dignity, unlocking our vast potentials, and creating opportunities for every citizen.
“This initiative is not just an infrastructural project, it is a bold declaration that Nigeria’s future lies in transforming our abundant agricultural resources into value-added products that fuel industries, generate employment, and uplift our farmers.
 “It is a product of strategic partnership between the federal government, state governments, and esteemed international development partners, especially the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development, (IFAD) and the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB).
“This collaborative effort underscores our shared belief that sustainable development in agriculture is achievable only through unity, innovation, and shared responsibility.
“It is a clear indication that Nigeria is committed to leveraging global expertise, capital, and best practices to achieve sustainable growth and social inclusion.” he said.
The vice-president further stated that with the groundbreaking of the initiative, the country was laying the foundation for agro-industrial hopes that will empower agro-processes, farmers, stimulate local economies, and make Nigeria a competitive player in global markets.
“Today, as we break ground, we are planting the seeds of a new Nigeria where agriculture is the driver of industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.
“Accordingly, we are expanding the development benefit of the SAPZ across the 36 states in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to onboard 27 more states in tranches starting with 10 states by the first quarter of 2026.
“This is sequel to financing procedures between the federal government and the financing partners,” he said.
Shettima also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Gov. Seyi Makinde, whose unwavering commitment and dedication to the development of Oyo State set the stage for the historic occasion.
He also commended President of AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who he described as a truly continental champion, especially of the SAPZ initiative.
The vice president also noted Adesina’s unwavering advocacy, visionary leadership, and dedication to transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape.
According to Shettima, the AfDB president has been instrumental in positioning Nigeria’s SAPZ as a flagship project with the potential to redefine Africa’s economic future.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tunubu’s unwavering commitment to the transformative journey under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
In his address, Gov. Makinde said his administration was building a future where agriculture would not only boost local economy but remains major source of revenue for the state.
The governor, who noted that a resilient economy could not be built unless the agriculture sector was developed, said that Ijaiye Agro-Industrial Hub was the third one established by his administration, following Fashola and Eruwa.
Makinde said that this was done as a result of importance attached to Agribusiness by his administration.
He said that his administration would make design for the establishment of three more agro-industrial hubs to be located at Ipapo, Iresa-adu and Ilora.
The governor said that the design of the new agro-industrial hubs would be handed over to the next administration.
In his remarks, AfDB President, Adesina, said that the AfDB had put in $934 million for the development of SAPZs and also mobilised $938 million to develop them all across Africa.
He said that SAPZ initiatives were now being constructed in 28 sites in 11 countries.
Adesina further said that the goal of the initiative was to reduce massive post-harvest losses, develop logistics, and improve linkages between farm production, agro-processing, and value addition, to transform rural economies and to create jobs.
He commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for supporting SAPZ programme in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni
Sani distributes free fertiliser to 100,000 farmers, launches crop insurance scheme
Agriculture

Sani distributes free fertiliser to 100,000 farmers, launches crop insurance scheme

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By Hussaina Yakubu

Gov. Uba Sani has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector of Kaduna State by distributing 400 trucks of free fertiliser to 100,000 smallholder farmers.

Sani made this known at the inauguration ceremony on Saturday at Murtala Square, Kaduna.

The governor also enrolled the beneficiaries onto a crop-risk insurance scheme, underscoring his government’s “enduring commitment to inclusive development, food security, and rural prosperity through agricultural transformation.”

The governor further explained that the scheme would protect farmers against losses from pests, diseases, and adverse weather linked to climate change.

According to him, each of the 100,000 smallholder farmers will receive two bags of fertiliser free of charge, pointing out that the state remained the only state where smallholder farmers consistently receive fertiliser and other critical inputs at no cost.

The governor maintained, “We are proud to maintain this farmer-first policy, particularly for our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”

Sani recalled that in 2024, Kaduna State executed its largest-ever fertiliser distribution over 500 trucks and launched several empowerment initiatives including support for dry season farming, ginger recovery programmes, and mechanisation with 200 tractors.

The governor also announced a subsidised fertiliser programme for commercial farmers as part of his administration’s bid to boost agriculture, at the free fertiliser distribution ceremony to smallholder farmers.

“We are providing access to 10 bags of fertiliser per farmer at a 40% subsidised rate of N30,000 per bag.

*This is to lower their production cost, support job creation, and stabilise commodity prices in the open market,’’ he added.

Sani attributed the success of these agricultural initiatives in part to improved security across the state whereby, a large portion of previously inaccessible farmlands are now accessible.

The governor described the distribution of free fertiliser and crop risk insurance scheme as part of the fulfilment of his campaign promises, recalling, “we pledged to elevate agriculture from subsistence activity to a driver of growth, jobs, and dignity.’’

Sani stated that the astronomic increase in the agriculture sector’s funding, from a budgetary allocation of ₦1.48 billion in 2023 to ₦74.02 billion in 2025, marked a remarkable 4,871 per cent increase.

He pointed out that as a share of the overall state budget, agriculture had grown from just 0.4 per cent in 2023 to 10 per cent in 2025.

Sani added, “This fertiliser distribution to farmers is not a stand-alone event it is part of a strategic, coordinated, and systems-based approach to agricultural transformation.”

The governor, who urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs responsibly, praised all the stakeholders for their role in ensuring transparency in the entire exercise.

He added, ‘’Together, we will continue building a Kaduna State where agriculture is not just a way of life, but a pathway to prosperity.’ ’(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Scientists to study Nigeria’s okra, melon during NASA’s space mission
Agriculture , Science & Tech

Scientists to study Nigeria’s okra, melon during NASA’s space mission

280 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

International astronauts will research on six indigenous Nigerian crops and seeds during the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Crew-11 Mission.

The crops selected by NASA are okra, cowpea, Guinea corn (sorghum), amaranth, maize, and melon. They would be studied to understand their behavioural patterns towards climate resilience, food security and the future of agriculture in space.

Dr Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said this on Thursday in a statement issued in Abuja.

NASA is an independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for its civil space programme, aeronautics research and space research.

The Crew-11 Mission, Ale said, will blast off from the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, championed by Jaguar Space.

“This mission carries the World Seeds Payload, a groundbreaking international agricultural experiment spearheaded by Jaguar Space, with contributions from eleven emerging space faring countries, including Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s contribution to this landmark mission includes six indigenous crop seeds, okra, cowpea, Guinea corn (sorghum), amaranth, maize, and melon which are selected for their nutritional and agricultural significance.

“These seeds will be studied aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to explore their behaviour under microgravity, contributing to research on climate resilience, food security and the future of agriculture in space,” Ale said.

He said the seeds were delivered to the U.S. following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NASRDA and Jaguar Space.

Ale said this was the first time Nigeria would be participating in such with biological payload flying aboard a crewed NASA mission to the ISS.

“It reinforces NASRDA’s commitment to applying space science toward sustainable development and global scientific cooperation.

“Participation in this flight experiment now offers the opportunity to validate findings of the agency on gravity simulation studies on similar crops in a real space environment.

“Beyond the scientific data, the inclusion of culturally significant African crops helps ensure that space exploration reflects diverse perspectives and human experiences making the World Seeds Payload both a scientific experiment and a cultural statement,” he said.
According to him, as the space industry becomes more democratised, Nigeria’s participation signals a future in which African innovation plays a visible and meaningful role in shaping humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
The Crew-11 mission and its biological cargo, he said, was expected to reach the ISS within 24 hours after lifting off, with scientific observations to begin almost immediately upon arrival.
“The World Seeds Payload exemplifies inclusive, culturally grounded space research and highlights the leadership role that emerging space nations like Nigeria could play in shaping the future of humanity beyond Earth,” he said.

Ale said Mrs Olayinka Fagbemiro, Assistant Director, International Cooperation and Linkages Department and the Project Lead for Nigeria on the project, will represent the agency at the inauguration.

Jaguar Space is a bioastronautics and business consulting firm dedicated to advancing science and commerce in space. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Nigeria partners WFP on climate smart agricultural solutions
Agriculture , Foreign

Nigeria partners WFP on climate smart agricultural solutions

207 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Nigerian Government has expressed willingness to strengthen its partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) in delivering climate smart agricultural solutions for vulnerable communities.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this during a bilateral meeting with the Executive Director, WFP, Cindy Mccain, on the sidelines of the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Shettima explained that the programme would enable farmers to learn self- sufficiency, restore dignity to women and youths in vulnerable communities.
He stated that there was a relationship in the Sahelian zone between economy and ecology, saying “climate change is impacting negatively on our part of the world.”
Shettima said President Bola Tinubu was actively working to address some of the underlying challenges facing the Nigerian nation, especially in terms of food production and sovereignty.
He said, “This is why even the Ministry of Agriculture was redesigned and renamed as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“The president had also gone ahead to create the Ministry of Livestock Development all geared towards addressing some of the fundamental issues.”
The vice-president thanked the WFP for its empathy and support for vulnerable communities, especially in Africa.
Shettima urged the organisation to enhance its partnership by encouraging the production of all its support mechanism in-house in Nigeria.
He added, “We have the facilities, we have the capabilities to deliver whatever you want and we can even service the whole of sub-saharan Africa from the Nigerian hub.
“I want to thank you for your support for vulnerable women and youths. We want to partner with you in delivering climate smart agricultural solution for our vulnerable communities so that they can learn from self-sufficiency.
“And restore some dignity for women and youths. President Tinubu is actively working to address the problem of food production in Nigeria.
“Climate change is no fantasy, it’s a reality and we are willing to partner with the World Food Programme toward upscaling your activities in Nigeria. You have the pedigree to really be of help to the country.”
Responding, Mccain, assured the readiness of the organisation to continue to support Nigeria to attain food sufficiency.
She said, “School feeding is my absolute favourite programme because of its impact on children within a country.
“Feeding one child and feeding many children really brings a generation of strong, intelligent, well fed, respected and also a community thrives on good result.
“I hope we can continue to be good partners and good friends along the way. And I will also say that our friendship has been a wonderful one.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Nigeria commits 8m on SAPZ – Shettima
Agriculture , Foreign

Nigeria commits $538m on SAPZ – Shettima

205 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria has already committed $538.05 million to the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
Shettima made this known at the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SAPZ is a flagship initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, and accelerating agro-industrialisation.
The vice-president explained that the programme was being implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and other key development partners.
” The initiative is projected to attract $1 billion in total investments by 2027, reduce post-harvest losses by 80 per cent and has already generated over 785,000 jobs across targeted regions,” he stated.
Shettima added that African youths were holding the key to the continent’s agri-food future and thus, no stone should be left unturned in mobilising this greatest asset.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity, adding that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had reactivated over 500,000 hectares of arable land.
He added that Tinubu’s government had deployed strategic food reserves and expanded access to seeds and extension services.
Shettima also emphasised the importance of security sector reforms to ensure farmers can access their lands safely and continue food production in rural communities.
In addition, he called for international collaboration to recharge the Lake Chad Basin, expand sustainable irrigation systems, and establish a national farm database.
He also advocated anticipatory action to climate shocks, emergency school feeding programmes in conflict-affected areas, and resilience-building initiatives to secure long-term stability.
“Food security is the trust anchor of peace,” Shettima stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Nigeria maps 10-year youths-led agricultural renewal plan
Agriculture , Foreign

Nigeria maps 10-year youths-led agricultural renewal plan

180 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Federal Government has unveiled a 10-year Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) to transform its agricultural sector.
Vice-president Kashim Shettima stated this at a high-level dialogue between African youths agri-food entrepreneurs and African leaders at the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He explained that the plan was part of Nigeria’s national strategy to implement the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2036).
According to him, it was adopted by African Heads of State to strengthen food and nutrition security across the continent.
Shettima emphasised the importance of investing in young people to drive innovation and resilience across food systems.
The vice-president declared that the youths-led innovation would be central to the country’s food systems transition.
“A nation that is prepared for the future is not known by the promises it makes but by the place it gives to its youth in shaping those promises.
“To see African youths leading the charge in this essential sector speaks more eloquently than any speech,”  Shettima stated.
He said already Nigeria had inaugurated an Agricultural Sector Working Group and a Technical Committee to coordinate national implementation of the Kampala Declaration and develop the 10-Year Strategic Action Plan.
According to him, the plan will align national and subnational priorities, promote public-private partnerships, and embed strong youth engagement at every level.
He also stated that the Federal Government had recapitalised the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion ($1 billion) to support the Youths Agricultural Revolution in Nigeria.
Shettima said the bank would provide loans of up to N1million to young farmers and agri-groups across the country.
“This is not charity. It is strategic inclusion. It is resilience engineered into policy,”  Shettima said.
He listed several ongoing initiatives, including Nigeria’s collaboration with the Netherlands, CGIAR, and IITA under the Youth in Agribusiness Initiative.
Shettima said the initiative was targeting 10,000 youths, with 40–50 per cent of them women, across innovative hubs in horticulture, poultry, aquaculture, and cassava processing.
He also cited investments in mechanisation, greenhouse expansion, and irrigation systems, along with the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project with Brazil, which was enhancing year-round agricultural productivity and value chain efficiency.
“We launched the first 2,000 tractors in a 70-million-dollar investment, targeting over 550,000 hectares of land and reaching more than 550,000 farming households.
“In partnership with John Deere, we are deploying 10,000 tractors over five years,” he said.
Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s call for increased investment in value addition and agro-processing to end the export of raw commodities and build more resilient local economies.
The forthcoming 10-Year Action Plan, he added, would prioritise training and mentorship in agro-technology and agribusiness, with a strong monitoring and evaluation framework.
“This is not a sprint. It is a generational relay that requires collective action, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to shared responsibility,” Shettima  said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Group advocates backyard farming to build self-reliant communities
Agriculture

Group advocates backyard farming to build self-reliant communities

176 total views today

By Dorcas Jonah

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Farm Flowers and Allied Products Initiative (FFAP), has called on women to embrace backyard farming to build stronger, healthier, and more self-reliant communities.

The president of the FFAP, Mrs Christy Sani Yakubu, made the call on Thursday at a Sensitisation Programme on Backyard Farming, organised by FFAP in Abuja.

Yakubu said that backyard farming was more than just planting vegetables behind the house.

According to her, it is a powerful tool for household resilience, especially for women who are often the primary providers of food and nutrition within the family.

“Backyard farming empowers families to grow their own fresh produce, reduce dependence on external food sources, and make healthier dietary choices.

“At a time when food prices are rising, climate change is affecting what we grow, and many families are struggling to put meals on the table.

“Backyard farming gives us a practical and empowering way to take control of our lives,” FFAP boss said.

According to her, backyard farming may seem small, but its impact is powerful.

“With a few square feet of land, or even containers, we can reduce costs, generate small incomes, and teach our children the value of self-reliance and environmental care,’’ she said.

Yakubu urged participants to explore the programme to exchange the ideas and make backyard farming a reality in their homes and neighbourhoods.

Earlier, the National President of the National Council for Women Societies, (NCWS) Nigeria, Mrs Ednah Azura, advised participants to take full advantage of the knowledge and tools shared in the training.

Azura, represented by the National Newsletter Editor, Mrs Comfort Ahua, said that the initiative was timely and significant, as it aligned with NCWS vision of empowering women through sustainable agricultural practices and food security.

“Backyard farming, beyond being a means of livelihood, also ensures improved nutrition, self-reliance, and a greener environment for our communities.

“I wish to sincerely thank the hosts, FFAP for creating this inclusive platform that prioritises women’s empowerment and practical knowledge.

“Your work is commendable and aligns strongly with NCWS’s commitment to economic empowerment at the grassroots level,’’ she said.

Presenting training on backyard farming, Mr Obasi Sunday, Desk Officer, Horticulture-Medicinal Plant, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, said backyard farming offers numerous benefits, including access to fresh, healthy food and exercise, and a connection with nature.

Sunday described it as a stress reliever, a way to learn new skills, and a means to reduce environmental impact. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Bayelsa: Group raises fund for federal agric varsity take-off
Agriculture

Bayelsa: Group raises fund for federal agric varsity take-off

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By Nathan Nwakamma

The Federal University of Agriculture Support Group says it has raised N232 million to support the take-off of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture, Bassambiri, Bayelsa.

The Coordinator, Dr Ala-Peters David, said at a fundraiser in Yenagoa that the gesture was to ensure that the federal university took-off without delays.

David also stated that the move was in compliance with the presidential directive that all newly established universities should commence activities by September.

He said that although the university was a federal institution, Bayelsa people would be its direct beneficiaries, saying, “education is the bedrock of every society”

The coordinator further said that the university was the first higher institution in Bassambiri, Opu-Nembe, and that it was necessary to support its take-off.

David said that well-meaning indigenes of Bayelsa should support the growth and development of the school.

Also speaking at the event, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa said that the state government had done a critical assessment and appraisal of the institution.

Represented by the Education Commissioner, Dr Gentle Emelah, Diri said that the government was committed to assisting towards providing basic facilities for the university.

He said that his administration was committed to giving priority attention to education and the general wellbeing of Bayelsa people.

Speaking at the sidelines of the event, Bob Manuel, the Chief Executive Officer, Bontrac Tractors Limited, described the idea behind the university as ‘great and timely’

“Agriculture should be given the right attention. Agriculture alone is capable of tackling the employment challenge in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

“I urge well-meaning Nigerians to support the university’s take-off and development, it is in our interest,” he said.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh

Why Tinubu declared state of emergency on agriculture – Shettima
Agriculture

Why Tinubu declared state of emergency on agriculture – Shettima

192 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has given an insight into the reasons for the declaration of the ‘State of Emergency on Agriculture’ by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shettima spoke at a session on: Country Perspectives: Government-led Strategies and Regional Framework’, at the ongoing UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session brought together African leaders and policymakers to share experiences and strategies on strengthening national and local food systems.
Discussions focused on advancing food sovereignty through inclusive policies that promote self-sufficiency, sustainable agriculture, and equitable access to nutritious food.
He stated that any nation that was not independent in the area of food sovereignty, remained not a sovereign country.
According to him, when President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership, he met the nation in a very poor state of affairs.
Shettima said: “His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of food emergency out of genuine concern for the welfare of our people.
“This is especially in conflict-driven environment like the North-East where Boko Haram is sowing seeds of discord and destruction.
“So, the government came out with some very bold policy guidelines informed by the need to strengthen our food system.
“These include the setting up of the Presidential Food System Coordinating Units.
“The units are mainly not to displace the existing bodies but to coordinate the activities for enhanced food delivery. And issues like the Food Support mechanism in the North East and the North. “
Shettima applauded the World Food Programme and other multilateral agencies for their support to Nigeria.
He stated that in displaced people’s camps, Tinubu’s administration took the initiative to encourage the displaced people to produce their food.
This, according to him, is with a view to giving them resilience, dignity and most importantly to build resilience against shocks.
The vice-president said, “In the Sahelian region, there is an existence relationship between the economy and the ecology and the government has to come up with very robust policies to ensure that our people do not fall into despair.
“Hunger knows no bounds, hunger doesn’t discriminate.
“We are determined to put in place structures, enhance our strategy grains reserve and most importantly to empower small holder farmers, women and youths by giving them incentives.
“Our believe is that our agriculture should be market driven not about handouts. And the whole mantra is about increase in yield.
“Because the entrepreneurial capitalism is embedded in the very psychic of the average Nigerian. “
He added that the whole mantra was on increase in yield, embrace modern agricultural practices, mechanisation, improve seeds and better agricultural practices.
“This is why we are reinforcing our extension services so that our farmers can get up to date data on rainfall patterns to know how to manage the climate shock that is ravaging our parts of the world,” Shettima added.
Earlier, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, decried that over 37 million children under five who faced acute malnutrition this year were almost the entire population of Canada.
Mohammed said, “But we must ensure the courage to match with long term solution that can result in resilient food system.
“Short term interventions dominate with little connection to the long term development planning solutions we are seeking.
“So, we must choose transformation over dependency. We have good examples nations are embedding resilience into national strategies.
“Leaders are refusing to accept hunger as inevitable instead they combine global, digital and traditional knowledge to accelerate actions towards inclusive and resilient food system.”
She said that the leadership cannot succeed alone, saying, “that must be built on a solid foundation that is rooted on adequate finance, genuine partnership and inclusion.
“We need coordination as a people and not bureaucracies. Bureaucracies are important; we need strong public sector and public institutions, but we do need to coordinate to impact people’s lives.”
Other dignitaries who spoke included the Executive Director, World Food Programme, Cindy Mccain, Salah Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Moubarack  Rounbo, Ministry of Agricultural production and Industrialisation, Chad, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
First Lady’s home garden project a huge success in FCT – Coordinator 
Agriculture

First Lady’s home garden project a huge success in FCT – Coordinator 

263 total views today

By Philip Yatai

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s “Every Home a Garden” project is recording a huge success in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the FCT Coordinator, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who is also the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, stated this at the close-out of the 2024 cohort of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Every Home a Garden competition, in Abuja.

She said that the event was also organised to celebrate FCT women for queuing into the competition, initiated by the First Lady, which she described as a “huge success.”

She said that the project, under the RHI Agricultural Support Programme has continued to impact the lives of rural women across the FCT.

According to her, the project is not only promoting self-reliance but improving nutrition and economic empowerment through backyard gardens.

She explained that the competition began in July 2023 to encourage women in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT to practice home gardening.

She said that the women were encouraged to use traditional and modern gardening methods to create gardens at home.

“This lofty initiative was conceived to enhance immediate and sustainable food supply in the home and the country at large.

“The home garden idea is further aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, improving well-being, ensuring food security, reducing high cost of living and encouraging culture of sharing and communal living.

“On a broader scale, the initiative is targeting at redirecting the consciousness of Nigerians towards developing interest in farming, using any available space within the premises of every home.

“It is a bold attempt to reset Nigeria on the path to revitalising her vast agricultural endowments across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, with women leading the way,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that to participate in the competition, the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat inaugurated a committee, who reached out to women in the territory and guided them through the processes.

She said a total of 416 video entries were received and their gardens were also physically inspected by the committee and members of the panel of jurists.

She said that the panel assessed all the entries based on location of garden, variety of vegetables, use of available space, and alternative gardening methods.

Other criteria, she said, included the garden capacity to add value to domestic needs of the family and decency in the garden among others.

The coordinator said that at the end of assessment, Hajiya Hauwa Aminu emerged the winner in FCT, and also emerged among the top three at the national level.

She also said that Mrs Victoria Obiolor and Mrs Pamela Ashiedu came second and third place respectively.

“Today, we are gathered to commend the efforts of these women for participating in the competition. You all gave your best.

“You now belong to the women agro network in FCT, which shall stand as reference for further actions in terms of empowerment and capacity building in farming.

“You would not be abandoned,” she assured the women.

For continuity, the coordinator said that the close of the 2024 competition equally marks the commencement of the 2025 edition of the competition.

“I strongly believe that our gathering here today is a pathway for a better tomorrow for these women seated before us.

“You should, therefore, be ready for further engagements that would put smiles on your faces,” she said.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to grassroots agricultural empowerment.

Abdullahi commended the first lady for the initiative saying, “it is completing the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in repositioning the agricultural sector”. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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