Lady Valerie Fubara, wife of the Rivers State Governor, has awarded cheques totaling N10 million to 20 women farmers in the State.
These women are the initial recipients of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Agricultural Support Programme.
The presentation of the cheques took place at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. Lady Fubara urged the beneficiaries to use the funds to enhance their agricultural production.
Explaining the significance of the event, the Governor’s wife stated that this marks the beginning of a critical phase of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in Rivers State, a project spearheaded by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
” I, therefore, bring you the felicitations of the Founder of this initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is working assiduously to bring smiles to the faces of families in our dear nation.,” Lady Fubara said.
Lady Fubara highlighted that in addition to the 20 women who received cheques, 80 more will benefit from the programme in future phases as directed by the board.
She reminded the recipients that while the financial support might not cover all their needs, it is a genuine effort by a caring leader to alleviate their struggles.
“This is an investment in your agricultural endeavors, blessed with the prayers of the founder for your success. I urge you to make the most of it,” she said.
Lady Fubara further emphasized the importance of using the funds wisely to increase and improve farm yields in the coming months. “Treat this seed money with care and see it as a call from the First Lady of Nigeria to support the agricultural revolution in our country,” she added.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, she noted, is reviewing agricultural policies to address sector challenges. The State Government is also committed to revitalizing State-owned agricultural schemes like the Songhai Integrated Farms and encouraging private investment in the sector.
Lady Fubara encouraged the women to be part of this transformative process. “Though times are challenging, do not divert this seed money to other ventures. This investment is a sign of better things to come in 2024 and beyond,” she said.
She urged the women to ensure this investment leads to significant progress in the State’s agricultural sector.
In her goodwill message, Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu praised Lady Fubara for her efforts to improve the economic status of women in the State. She expressed confidence that the beneficiaries’ success would positively impact the State, their personal lives, families, and communities.
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Retired Justice Mary Odili (JSC), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, lauded Lady Fubara for her collaboration with Senator Oluremi Tinubu to attract benefits for women and youth in the State. She urged the beneficiaries to use the grants effectively to ensure the State is positively evaluated in future assessments.
Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, welcomed the attendees and noted that the cheque presentation marks a significant milestone in realizing the initiative’s vision. She explained that the financial grants are aimed at less privileged individuals, with the first 20 women chosen to overcome funding challenges in agriculture.
She called on Rivers women to continue supporting the State’s First Lady and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, to drive the State towards greater prosperity and progress for all its residents.
