Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to supporting women farmers across Nigeria, aligning with the national agenda to boost the agricultural sector.
Mrs. Tinubu made this statement following a meeting with the board and supporters of the #EveryHomeAGarden competition at the State House in Abuja, where entries from various states and the Federal Capital Territory were under review.
Selecting the competition’s winner is a meticulous process, Mrs. Tinubu noted, as all submissions from across the states reflect the participants’ hard work and potential.
“This selection process of the best three from the states that submitted entries is a tough one. These women did so well, and that is why I said even if they do not come out the overall winner, they must be compensated,” she said.
The First Lady emphasized that the competition aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s food security initiative, promoting women’s inclusion—especially farmers—nationwide.
She further explained that the competition, which began in February, aims to foster a culture of home-based farming, encouraging families to produce and consume healthy foods sustainably.
Several RHI board members participating in the selection process, including the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shetimma, remarked on the challenge of selecting winners due to the high quality of the gardens.
Hajia Shetimma commended Mrs. Tinubu for her leadership, highlighting the encouragement it provides for women to join the country’s food security drive.
“To select the winner is something that is not easy, but the particular message of the First Lady to everyone is that you can feed yourself and later extend it to your neighbors. They have done us proud to be part of this wonderful program,” said Mrs. Shetimma.
The Wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, and the Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Mrs. Barau Jibrin, also shared their experiences, describing the selection process as challenging.
Hajia Barau encouraged Nigerians to sustain the practice of home gardening, emphasizing its value for self-sufficiency and community sharing.
Echoing this sentiment, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen Abass, the Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, noted, “they all did well, it was even difficult to make a choice. Every home a garden is a good initiative from the First Lady.”
Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the President’s Chief of Staff, praised the impressive quality of entries: “All entries were highly commendable, very good and impressive. I don’t personally have a green thumb, but I was impressed to see how well the women did. It is amazing what you can do at home no matter the size.”
The winner of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s #EveryHomeAGarden Competition will be announced in December 2024.
