BENIN CITY — Women across Edo State have received a major boost in agricultural empowerment following the distribution of support materials by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agricultural Support and Empowerment Programme.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing food security, promoting economic inclusion, and strengthening grassroots agricultural practices, was implemented across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The distribution exercise, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, was supervised by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs Edesili Anani Okpebholo.
She explained that the agricultural support programme aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to empower vulnerable populations, particularly women and youths through sustainable agricultural practices.
The support items distributed included poultry chicks, improved seedlings, farming tools, fertilisers, and cash grants.
Mrs Anani noted that the programme goes beyond mere distribution of inputs, as it also offers training, mentorship, and long-term support to beneficiaries.
“This initiative by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is designed to improve the lives of Nigerian families through food security and self-sufficiency,” she said.
“Here in Edo, we are complementing it with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s agricultural vision, which positions the state as a food production hub.”
She highlighted sub-initiatives like Every Home a Garden, Women in Agriculture, and Young Farmers Club, which aim to encourage household gardening, school-based farming competitions, and youth internships in agriculture.
“Each woman will receive seeds today, and the best-performing gardens will be awarded prizes. The top prize is ₦1 million, with second and third place receiving ₦500,000 and ₦300,000 respectively,” she announced.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ugbodu Golden, reiterated the administration’s commitment to making Edo a model for agricultural advancement.
He cited ongoing efforts, including the procurement of tractors, land development across 200 hectares, and support to women cooperatives and school-based farms.
“Our vision is to enable commercial and subsistence farmers to thrive, create jobs, and ensure that food security becomes a permanent feature of life in Edo,” he said.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Edo State Chapter, Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo, praised the Okpebholo administration for revitalising agriculture in the state.
He criticised the previous administration for neglecting the sector, saying that farmers were excluded from key development programmes under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“In eight years, AFAN did not benefit under the last government. But now, Edo is truly ready for agriculture,” Dogwo declared.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Osayande Sunday, also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for making agriculture attractive again and encouraging more citizens to venture into farming.
The event featured expert-led lectures on poultry, fishery, vegetable cultivation, and agri-business careers, targeting members of the Young Farmers Club, Women in Agriculture groups, and other stakeholders.
A major highlight was the decoration of 31 students from the Young Farmers Club with farming kits to commence school-based garden competitions, with cash prizes promised for the best-performing institutions.
