First Lady to launch Young Farmers Club in Public Schools

By Joan Nwagwu

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) will soon launch the Young Farmers Club in public schools across the country.

She said this while inaugurating the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI- WASP) on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said the programme was part of the RHI’s upcoming activities.

“We will soon be launching the ‘Young Farmers’ Club’ in public schools across the nation. The motto of this club is ‘Growing the Food I Eat Starts with me’.

“The Club will be launched in State-owned Primary and Secondary Schools. This initiative is to encourage farming among our young population.

“The first school to start the club, either primary or secondary, will have their members kitted with Branded Club T-Shirts and Trousers. The school with the best farm for each State would be identified.

“Prizes would be given to them, ranging from school renovations, equipping of school science laboratories, provision of ICT equipment and upgrading of School Libraries, as their preference may be,” she said.

She, therefore, encouraged all public schools to participate as soon as possible and identify students who were interested in joining the Club.

Tinubu also noted other ongoing activities of the RHI to include the “Every Home a Garden’”.

“Our ‘Every Home a Garden’, competition for first time women farmers is still on.

“This programme is designed to encourage our women to grow a garden in their homes. It does not cost much to grow food at home.

“This garden is to feed your families and share with your neighbours. The goal of this is to ensure food in every home, hence our slogan for this initiative is ‘food on every table’

“I encourage you all to spread the word in your communities. The winner of this competition will go home with N20 million and entries are to be submitted through the states to the First Ladies by October, 2024,” she said.

The First Lady also said that as part of the ongoing activities, the RHI is organising a National Fabric Competition called, “One Nigeria/ unity fabric”.

According to her, this competition seeks to create a fabric that is indigenous, promotes peace and unifies us as Nigerians.

“The competition is open to all Nigerians within and outside the shores of the country within ages of 15-25 years old.

“The winner of this competition will be given a cash prize of N25 million to be channelled towards his/her education or business venture as the case may be,” she said.

Tinubu noted that call for entries had begun with submission of entries closing on June 30, 2024.

She added that the Unity Fabric will be launched on October 1, 2024. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu