Renewed Hope Initiative launches programme in Jos

Ukandi Odey, Jos

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday led wives of the governors of the North Central geopolitical zone to launch the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme in Jos, Plateau State capital.

Represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Salamatu Gbajabiamila, who, incidentally, hails from Mangu local government area of Plateau State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the launch of the project is not only a way of making the women folk integral in the present government, but to empower women as the fulcrum of the family.

She said, “The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recognises the pivotal role agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and in achieving food sufficiency.

“Therefore, the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to supporting women farmers nationwide aligns with the broader national agenda to strengthen the agricultural sector.”

“Today,” shs said further, “we are supporting twenty (20) women farmers per state in the North Central zone with the sum of five hundred thousand naira (N500, 000) each.To this end, a draft of ten million naira (N10,000,000) per State for the North Central zone will be handed over to the First Ladies of Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States who also are RHI State Coordinators for onward disbursement to all beneficiaries in their respective States.”

However, the First Lady also announced that one hundred physically challenged persons in Plateau State will also receive one hundred thousand naira each under the same RHI Agriculture Support Programme.

Speaking at the occasion, Plateau State First Lady and State Coordinator of the RHI, Barrister Mrs Helen Mutfwang, said, “The choice of Jos as the centre for the North Central is not a mere coincidence but a choice informed by the uniqueness of the city as home of peace and tourism.

“Plateau State is a hidden jewel in Nigeria, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, where traditional customs and modern influences coexist harmoniously.”

She also noted that, “Today, we gather here in Jos to celebrate and support the empowerment of women in agriculture and to provide financial assistance to disabled individuals in our community. This event is a testimony to the First Lady’s commitment to promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and economic empowerment for all members of our society.”

In his welcome address, Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang commended the First Lady for choosing Plateau State to host the event, saying Plateau people are genuinely grateful  for the gesture.