Senator Oluremi Tinubu Unveils South West Renewed Hope Initiative Programme: Empowering Women and Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development
In a significant stride towards empowering women in agriculture and supporting persons with disabilities in business ventures, the Renewed Hope Initiative, spearheaded by the wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a groundbreaking social intervention program. This initiative, aimed at fostering economic growth and inclusivity, has allocated a substantial sum of N60 million to benefit 120 women from the six South West states.
The launch event, which took place at the Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, marked the commencement of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme for the South West, alongside the flag-off of the 2024 Ogun State Planting Season. Mrs. Tinubu, during her address, revealed the allocation of N10 million to support 100 persons with disabilities in enhancing their existing businesses.
Specifically, the programme targets 20 women farmers per state, providing each with N500,000 to bolster their agricultural ventures. The funds, totaling N10 million per state in the South West zone, will be disbursed through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) state coordinators in Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states.
Moreover, the Renewed Hope Initiative is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to extend support to young farmers, with 75% of beneficiaries being young female farmers and 25% young male farmers. This strategic partnership emphasizes the program’s commitment to empowering a diverse range of individuals within the agricultural sector.
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of leveraging such opportunities to expand agricultural ventures, contribute significantly to local and national food production, and serve as role models for aspiring individuals seeking to join the agricultural domain. The initiative’s focus on women farmers aligns with broader efforts to enhance gender inclusivity and economic empowerment.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, highlighted the state’s ongoing initiatives, including the Oko’owo Dapo scheme, which has supported over 50,000 women in growing their businesses, and the Broiler Empowerment Scheme, benefiting over 500 women agric entrepreneurs. Additionally, initiatives like Ibi-Dero aim to provide comprehensive healthcare for pregnant indigent women, contributing to reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
Governor Abiodun underscored his administration’s prioritization of women’s welfare and empowerment, integrating them into various spheres such as politics, governance, economic activities, and education for girls. The Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme reflects the resilience and tenacity of women in the South West, essential for driving agricultural innovation and economic growth.
Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the state coordinator of RHI in Ogun State, expressed gratitude for the initiative’s focus on empowering women in agriculture. She highlighted the program’s impact on improving the agriculture value chain and addressing discrimination against persons with disabilities.
The South West Zonal Coordinator for RHI and wife of the Governor of Oyo State, Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the positive effects of the support program on the agriculture sector and urging beneficiaries to utilize the support judiciously.
In conclusion, the Renewed Hope Initiative’s collaborative efforts with government bodies and stakeholders reflect a holistic approach towards achieving sustainable development goals, promoting gender equality, and ensuring food security. By empowering women and persons with disabilities, these initiatives contribute significantly to economic prosperity and social inclusivity in the South West region.