The Wife of the Abia State’s Governor, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has kick-started the distribution of Starter-Packs to beneficiaries of the Agricultural Support and Training programme Initiative, under the Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) programme.
This is coming after the completion of training for the first batch, comprising 75 Women and Youths from the Abia Central Zone.
The comprehensive training covered organic fertiliser production, animal feed production, rice production, pest control, best farming techniques, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which were all facilitated by qualified experts.
While presenting the packs, comprising hoes, shovels, and wheelbarrows, among others, at the premises of Umuahia North Council, Mrs Otti described the initiative as one that embodies unwavering commitment to empowering women and young people in agriculture, which aligns with the nation’s agenda to strengthen the agricultural sector and enhance food security.
Mrs Otti told the beneficiaries to succeed in agriculture as they have been provided with the tools to enhance food production sufficiency, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the growth of the local economy. “The starter- packs we are distributing today are more than just tools and equipment; as they represent hope, opportunity, and empowerment.”
She commended Mrs Tinubu’s vision in driving the programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, adding that Mrs Tinubu’s passion for sustainable agricultural landscapes that empower women and youths is truly inspiring.
The Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in the state, Mr Aloysius Mba, who represented the Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, lauded Mrs Otti’s commitment towards implementing the lofty project in the state, noting that the initiative extends to all the states of the federation through the offices of wives of the Governors.
Similarly, the Desk Officer at the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Amarachi Anyim commended Mrs Tinubu and Otti for the intervention, tasking the beneficiaries to put the tools into appropriate use to achieve maximum productivity and desired results.
Highlighting her ‘Every Home a Garden Initiative,’ targeted at ensuring food availability in every home, Mrs Otti explained that home gardens offer numerous benefits, including fresh produce, relaxation, stress relief, and opportunities for education, community building, and economic empowerment.
“I have seen firsthand the positive impact that home gardens can have on families and communities, which ranges from providing a sustainable source of food to fostering a sense of community and cooperation with the power to transform lives.”
She, therefore, urged them to maximise the opportunity to make a positive impact in their communities by applying the knowledge and skills they have acquired, to drive innovation, increase productivity, and ensure food security for that state.
