First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday distributed farm tools and resources to equip and empower 200 trained farmers in Anambra to enhance productivity and support local agriculture.
Mrs Tinubu who was represented by the Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, made the distribution in Awka, under the Renewed Hope Initiative(RHI) Agricultural Support Programme.
Some of the tools distributed are grinding machines, wheel barrows, poultry and piggery resources, seeds, organic fertilizers, piglets, farm boots, spray knapsacks, watering cans, cages, among others.
She said: “On behalf of the wife of President and National Chairman of RHI, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, I welcome you to the Agricultural Support Programme.
“After today, your life would have had a greater impact; one that will not only benefit you but benefit your family, community, Anambra state, and our dear country at large.
“The programme is a medium scale agro support initiative that targets individuals who have the right passion to venture into lucrative agro-businesses.
“You have been trained in feed processing, vegetable farming, drip irrigation installation, poultry farming and piggery, to develop your skills and become financially sustained.”
The First Lady urged the farmers not to sell the tools but to make use of them wisely and work harder to make the best benefits from them.
“The expectation is that you will not just become employed but ultimately lead a network of people who would find an exemplary impact from your businesses.
“We have trained you. Now, it is your turn to train others so we can end unemployment and poverty, build financial independence, create better income platforms, raise financial growth, and grow our economy,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Afam Obidike, Commissioner for Health said that the Governor’s wife’s pet project – Healthy Living Initiative, would monitor to ensure the farmers utilise the equipment.
In his remarks, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture, appreciated government’s support to the agricultural sector, which he described as the access to a secured future.
Some of the farmers who expressed their appreciation to the First Lady said the training and tools would improve and expand their farming skills and businesses.
Mrs Ijeoma Mmaobi from Aguata, a drip irrigation farmer, said the government support would impact greatly on her farm productivity and livelihood.
Mr Boniface Ezeife, a poultry feed producer from Nnewi thanked the government for prioritising their needs and ensuring the accessibility of resources critical to modern farming practices.
