Wife of the Kwara Governor, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, on Monday in Ilorin presented a cheque of N500,000 each to women farmers across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
AbdulRazaq, while presenting the cheques to beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Programme, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
The governor’s wife, who is the Chairperson, Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, said the initiative would not only transform the individual beneficiaries’ lives but also contribute to food sufficiency in the country.
She implored the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to expand their agricultural ventures, and contribute to local and national food production.
AbdulRazaq also advised them to serve as role models for others aspiring to join the sector.
”This exercise no doubt aligns with the Kwara government’s commitment to promoting agriculture and boosting food production on a broader scale of the national agenda to strengthen the agriculture sector in the country.
“This is evident in the many interventions of the state government in the agriculture sector, proffering support to farmers to build their capacities and increase their yield.
”Complementing this feat of the state government, my office and the Ajike People Support Centre have also presented farm inputs to female farmers and trained youth farmers in the use of technology to maximise their yield,” she said.
The governor’s wife urged stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations, to work together to support local farmers to ensure food security in the nation at large.
She enjoined the beneficiaries to explore hybrid seed options, and ensure good irrigation systems.
”You should also use previous mistakes to guide your future plans and stay open to employing creative and low-cost options to equip your farms with current advances in technology.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Saba Mamman, encouraged the women to ensure the fund was used for farming purposes and not for other things.
Mamman said government would visit the farms of beneficiaries in order to encourage them.
A former president of the Society of Women Farmers of Nigeria (SWOFON), Mrs Bose Anifowose, in her appreciation remarks, appreciated the governor’s wife for the kind gesture shown women farmers in the state.
Anifowose assured that the funds would be used judiciously in order to combat food insecurity in the country at large.