In a spirited push to boost food security and promote grassroots agricultural revival, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON), on Wednesday addressed a diverse gathering of farmers, students, and cooperatives at the launch of a new phase of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Support Program.
Speaking at the empowerment event, Senator Tinubu underscored the importance of community farming and food sustainability, especially among women and young people.
She hailed the occasion as a pivotal step toward returning Nigeria to its agrarian roots and redefining agriculture as a pathway to prosperity rather than poverty.
“The essence of this initiative is to bring us back on track and help us increase food production in our nation,” the First Lady declared. “This is Operation Feed Your Family and Give to Your Neighbours.”
The program targets 400 beneficiaries across four key categories: women, youth, secondary school students, and farming cooperatives. Each group is receiving a tailored package of farm inputs, seedlings, and implements to jump-start or expand their agricultural activities.
Senator Tinubu, who revealed she maintains a personal garden at home, shared her enthusiasm for the “Every Home a Garden” campaign, an initiative aimed at encouraging Nigerians to grow their own food as a means of easing economic hardship and improving nutritional standards.
“Growing your own food can help you eat healthier, promote a better diet, and supply fresh produce,” she noted. “The beauty of it all is that it’s not restricted by gender or age.”
Her remarks struck a balance between inspiration and practical urgency, appealing to beneficiaries to see farming not merely as subsistence but as a business opportunity capable of transforming lives and communities.
She also thanked key state partners, especially the Ministries of Agriculture, Basic Education, and Youth Development, for facilitating the success of the program.
Yet, beyond the warm gestures and commendable distribution of resources, Senator Tinubu’s speech signaled something deeper: a strategic move to reframe agriculture as a national security and economic imperative.
Critics, however, remain watchful. Some argue that while federal empowerment drives like RHI are laudable, success depends on sustained policy alignment, accountability mechanisms, and post-grant support for beneficiaries.
There are also concerns about whether these interventions can scale equitably across Nigeria’s rural communities without falling prey to political patronage or logistical inefficiencies.
Nonetheless, Wednesday’s event marks another chapter in the First Lady’s grassroots advocacy—this time, with a hoe in hand and hope in the soil.
“Let’s join our hands together as we grow more food and live a life of plenty rather than scarcity,” she urged with a smile.
Whether this message sows long-term transformation or momentary applause remains to be seen. For now, however, the seeds of Renewed Hope have been planted.
Similarly, the Wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, led the distribution of farm inputs and financial grants to female farmers across the state.
The initiative falls under the Agricultural Support Program of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Addressing beneficiaries and stakeholders at the event held in May 2025, Deaconess Oborevwori emphasized the significance of the agricultural sector in driving sustainable economic development, poverty reduction, and food security across Nigeria.
“Today’s event showcases our unwavering commitment to ensuring that our farmers—particularly women and youths—are equipped with the necessary tools and support to thrive in their agricultural endeavors,” she stated.
While acknowledging that farmers represent a significant portion of the population, the Governor’s wife noted that many still struggle with limited access to inputs, financing, and modern techniques.
She described the intervention not merely as assistance but as “a necessity… about restoring hope, fostering food security, boosting household incomes, and encouraging farming as a viable business.”
The program delivered a range of farm inputs, seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment, alongside financial grants designed to improve yields and scale up agribusiness ventures led by women and youth cooperatives across Delta State.
Deaconess Oborevwori extended her appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her visionary leadership and commitment to rural development through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She also applauded the dedication of the implementation team and reaffirmed her foundation’s continued collaboration with federal and state partners in transforming agriculture into an engine of inclusive growth.
> “Let this support be the stepping stone to greater achievements, improving food productivity, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to the broader vision of prosperity for Delta State and Nigeria,” she urged the beneficiaries.
The event brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain, including government representatives, cooperative leaders, and rural women’s groups.
It also highlighted the strategic role of gender-inclusive empowerment programs in building a resilient and prosperous economy.
As Delta State intensifies its agricultural transformation drive, initiatives like these signal a strong policy shift toward inclusive, grassroots-oriented development with women and youth at its core.