Oluremi Tinubu urges agric agencies to target young farmers

By Egena Sunday Ode

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the agricultural agencies to introduce Initiatives to that would spur the interest of young persons in farming.

She said that would expand the food sufficiency drive of Nigeria and make more sustainable.

Nigeria is currently grappling with food shortages as inflation has driven up prices of basic food commodities beyond the reach of the ordinary person.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu spoke when she received the management team of the National Agricultural Development Fund, NADFUND who were in her office to explore areas of collaboration.

According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu noted that the unavailability of farm lands 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”.

She stated 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”.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund NADFUND Mohammed Ibrahim commended the various agric centered programs of the Renewed Hope Initiative, 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 “.

The Executive Secretary disclosed that the agency is willing to collaborate with the RHI especially in the areas of mentorship, training and logistics for women farmers across states of the federation.