By Abbas Bamalli
The Wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered about 150 women, and 50 Youth in goat rearing, poultry, fishery and backyard farming in Katsina.
The wife of the governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda disclosed this at the closing ceremony of a three-day training and presentation of empowerment packages in Katsina on Friday.
She said the empowerment, through the pet project of the First Lady, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aimed to support women and youth through agriculture.
The governor’s wife, who is the RHI Coordinator in Katsina, added that the agricultural support programme was supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
According to her, the gesture shows their commitment to improving farming and ensuring food security for the people of Katsina and Nigeria in general.
“Agriculture has always been the foundation of our communities in Katsina. It’s not only a means of livelihood, but a way of life for millions of people.
“Our farmers, both women and men, have worked hard to feed our nation with the limited resources and support. Today, we’re taking a bold step to change the narrative.
“Under the RHI, this programme will give farmers, especially women and youth, the tools, training and resources needed to succeed in the agricultural sector,” she assured.
Radda noted that farmers would get improved seeds, modern farming equipment, and training in sustainable farming practices, thereby creating job opportunities, more food, curbing the scourge of poverty and ensuring stronger communities.
She said, “To the women of Katsina State, you are the backbone of our families, and the heart bit of our community.
“This agricultural programme values your role in agriculture, and aims to help you grow successful farms to create a better future for our families.
“To the youths, agriculture is not just a tradition, it can be a successful career to accomplish your dreams. This programme wants you to see farming as part of financial independence and self reliance.
“The future of our state depends on you, and I encourage you to grab this opportunity with all commitment, because the success of the programme also depends on you.”
She further commended the first lady for the gesture, while calling on all stakeholders to work together to ensure effective implementation of the programme.
Radda assured the beneficiaries that “this is just the beginning”, because the state and the federal governments were all committed towards improving the sector.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Jamila Ahmed-Kankia, appreciated the government for the gesture, adding that it was meant for Katsina people, irrespective of political leaning.
She assured that the beneficiaries would make proper use of the empowerment, saying that they would not allow the three-day training to be in vein.
NAN
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