Nigeria’s First Lady and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged farmers in Rivers State to make full use of the agricultural empowerment programme to boost food production and ensure national food security.
Senator Tinubu gave this charge on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the distribution of agricultural support materials to 800 pre-selected farmers at the Government House Field, Port Harcourt.
The event was organised by RHI in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Rivers State Government, and the Young Farmers’ Club of Nigeria.
Speaking through the wife of the state governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the president’s wife encouraged the beneficiaries to take ownership of their farms, grow the distributed seedlings, rear the livestock, and work toward achieving high yields.
“Grow these seedlings, nurture these livestock, and turn them into good yields. As you do that, you will also reawaken the entrepreneurial spirit that we are known for.”
She described the initiative as a practical effort to revive Nigeria’s agricultural heritage, referencing past national programmes such as Operation Feed the Nation and the Green Revolution.
According to her, the support is more than assistance it is an investment in food security and economic growth.
The Rivers State Government also supplemented the programme by supporting an additional 400 farmers, 100 youths and 300 older farmers, bringing the total beneficiaries to 800.
The governor’s wife added that, “the First Lady of Nigeria is trusting you to make the best use of this opportunity. The Rivers State Government believes in your ability, do not let us down.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu praised the initiative for promoting inclusivity and reducing economic inequality, even as she commended Lady Fubara’s efforts in localising the programme and said it lays the groundwork for a self-reliant and prosperous Rivers State.
On her part, Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, described the programme as timely and encouraged the farmers to be examples for future beneficiaries.
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She also appealed for civil servants to be included in subsequent phases.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Victor Kii, highlighted the initiative’s impact on food security, job creation, and economic inclusion. He also acknowledged the First Lady’s vision and Lady Fubara’s role in making the programme successful in the State.
In her welcome address, Rivers State RHI Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, explained that 400 of the farmers were selected from across the three senatorial zones, including members of the Female Farmers’ Association, the Young Farmers’ Club, and non-indigenous residents.
