LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin - ‘Catching them young is key’
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasised the need to empower Nigerian youths in agriculture, citing a disconnect between reality and fiction.
While receiving the Management team of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND) at the State House, Mrs. Tinubu stressed the importance of catching young people early and instilling positive values.
According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady expressed her commitment to supporting her husband, President Bola Tinubu, in delivering democratic dividends, particularly for women and youth.
Mrs. Tinubu’s focus on youth empowerment in agriculture aligns with the government’s efforts to revitalise the sector and ensure food security. She noted that the unavailability of farming land due to urbanization, should not be a hindrance as people can engage in smart gardening.
According to her, the proposed Young Farmers Club by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to be launched soon in public primary and secondary schools, will further sustain the current food sufficiency drive by the federal government.
She said: “We have a lot to show our youths and I believe the time is now. There is a huge disconnect between reality and fiction. There is a need to catch them young and have them do right. Once the children get it, it would be easy to bring it home.
“My being here is to support my husband and ensure we are able to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, and see what we can do especially for the women and youths.”
Executive Secretary of the NADFUND, Mohammed Ibrahim lauded the various Agric-centered programs of the RHI by the First Lady, particularly the Women in Agric Support Program (WASP), the Young Farmers Club and the #Every Home a Garden competition.
“The competition and your own garden show exemplary leadership from you. This further emphasises that ensuring food security is everyone’s responsibility,” Ibrahim noted.
The Executive Secretary said the agency is willing to collaborate with the RHI, especially in providing mentorship, training and logistics for women farmers across states of the Federation.
He also presented the document of the aims and mission of NADFUND to the First Lady.
