Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the wife of Rivers State Governor, has presented N10 million in cheques to 20 women farmers as the first batch of beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Agricultural Support Programme.
The event took place at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, marking a significant milestone in boosting agricultural yields in the state.
Lady Fubara emphasized that this initiative is part of the broader Renewed Hope Initiative led by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria. She conveyed Senator Tinubu’s commitment to uplifting families across Nigeria through various support programs.
“I bring you the felicitations of the Founder of this initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is working assiduously to bring smiles to the faces of families in our dear nation,” Lady Fubara said.
She highlighted previous RHI efforts in Rivers State, including support for the elderly, educational supplies for children, and scholarships.
In addition to the initial 20 beneficiaries, Lady Fubara announced that 80 more women would receive support in future phases of the programme.
She urged the recipients to use the funds wisely to enhance their agricultural businesses, viewing the support as a seed investment with the potential to yield significant returns.
“It is a seed investment in your agricultural businesses that is backed by the prayers of the founder for you to succeed. So, I urge you to make the best use of it,” she said.
Lady Fubara also stressed the importance of this initiative within the state’s broader agricultural policy review aimed at mitigating sector challenges.
She highlighted the state government’s commitment to reviving agricultural intervention schemes and encouraging private investment.
“I urge you to also be agents of this transformative process in your little way. I am aware that you are facing challenging times but I urge you not to yield to any pressure that will make you invest this seed money into other ventures,” she advised.
Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu praised Lady Fubara for her dedication to improving the economic status of women in the state. She noted that proper investment of the funds would benefit not only the women and their families but also the broader community.
Retired Justice Mary Odili (JSC), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, commended the collaboration between Lady Fubara and Senator Tinubu. She urged the beneficiaries to ensure the grant is used effectively to enhance their agricultural ventures, thus reflecting positively on Rivers State.
This initiative is seen as a critical step towards fostering agricultural development and economic empowerment for women in Rivers State, with the potential to create a ripple effect of benefits throughout the community.
