By Kelvin Obambon
The implementation of Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Programme for women and youths has commenced in Cross River State, The Paradise News has confirmed. The Initiative, a pet project of Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, is projected to take in 320 persons and cover 30 schools in the state.
Addressing journalists in Calabar Wednesday, wife of the governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, who coordinates the programme in the state, informed that the programme would Kick-off properly on Monday 3rd February, 2025 and that the sum of N68.9 million had been received from the national office to facilitate the programme which according to her is divided into four categories.
Bishop Otu who was represented by her Chief Press Secretary, Ms Faith Okon, listed the categories to include “The Women Agricultural Support Programme (WASP), Youths Agricultural Support Programme, Every Home a Garden Initiative and Young Farmers Club in schools.”
She explained that these four agricultural initiatives are holistically aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security across the nation.
Read Also: SSG Receives Student Leaders, Emphasizes Importance of Mentorship and Goal-Setting
“It provides each participant with an opportunity to expand their agriculture venture while contributing to local and national food production.
“For Cross River State, this programme will Carter for 200 women, one from each political wards, who will be trained according to their preferences on crop production, fishery and poultry farming.
“Each of the trainee on fish farming will be empowered with 200 juveniles, one fibre tanks, 2 bags of feeds and medication; Those for poultry will get 50 day old chicks 2 bags of starter feeds and 2 bags of fisher feeds, while those for crop production will be empowered with improved seeds, okra, pumpkin seeds, organic fertilizers, watering cans,” she said.
The programme coordinator further explained that 60 youths and another 60 homes would also be empowered while the Young Farmers Club, which would seek to revitalize school farming with a view to encouraging young people to see agriculture as a career path, targets 30 schools across the state.
