National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel.
In a bid to enhance food security in Cross River State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative has launched its Agricultural Support programme, targeting 320 persons and 30 schools.
The programme, which is divided into four categories, aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices and improve food production nationwide.
The programme’s coordinator in Cross River, Bishop (Dr) Eyoanwan Otu, who is also the wife of the state governor, explained that the initiative is designed to have a positive impact on the state’s agricultural sector.
“These four agricultural initiatives are holistically aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security across the nation,” she said.
“It provides each participant with an opportunity to expand their agriculture venture while contributing to local and national food production.”
The programme’s four categories include the Women Agricultural Support Programme (WASP), which will cater to 200 women, one from each political ward, who will be trained in crop production, fishery, and poultry farming.
Additionally, the Youths Agricultural Support Programme will empower 60 youths with the necessary skills and resources to engage in agriculture.
The Every Home a Garden Initiative aims to encourage households to cultivate their own gardens, promoting food security and sustainability, and will empower 60 homes.
Finally, the Young Farmers Club will target 30 schools across the state, seeking to revitalize school farming and encourage young people to pursue agriculture as a career path.
The Renewed Hope Initiative Agriculture Support Programme is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, and the Office of the Wife of the Governor to ensure effective delivery of the programme’s objectives.
With a total budget of N68.9 million, the programme is set to kick off properly on Monday, February 3, 2025.
