Eighty-seven farmers in Lagos State have received agricultural grants totaling ₦11.4 million under the 2025 Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-ASP), a federal government initiative spearheaded by the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The grant disbursement took place on Monday at Lagos House, Ikeja, during the official launch of the programme’s Lagos chapter. The event also marked the rollout of four core components of the initiative: the Women Agricultural Support Programme, Youth Agricultural Support Programme, Every Home a Garden 2.0, and the Young Farmers Club 2.0.
Out of the 87 beneficiaries, 27 youths and women received ₦200,000 each, alongside farming inputs to enhance productivity. The remaining 60, drawn from senatorial districts across Lagos, received ₦100,000 each under the “Every Home A Garden 2.0” initiative. These recipients are engaged in various agri-businesses, including poultry, fish farming, vegetable cultivation, beekeeping, garri processing, and zobo drink production.
In a move to further embed agriculture in the next generation, 120 students from 24 schools—five each from both junior and senior secondary schools across the six educational districts—will participate in the Young Farmers Club 2.0.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for supporting the initiative with ₦60 million. She described the programme as a practical response to national food security needs and a driver of youth and women empowerment.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the project is already reshaping public perception of agriculture, especially among women and youth, positioning it as a pathway to financial independence and sustainable livelihood. She expressed hope for a hunger-free Lagos where agriculture becomes a symbol of both heritage and future prosperity.
Also present was the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, who described the scheme as a strategic step toward boosting food production at the household level. She urged beneficiaries to care for their crops with purpose, emphasizing the unfolding opportunities within Lagos’ agricultural sector.
Guest speakers included veteran farmer Femi Ojelade and the Lagos Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Omolara Oguntuyi. Both advocates called on young people to embrace agriculture, emphasizing the promise it holds for future prosperity and national growth. They also highlighted the importance of organic farming and food sustainability.
“While oil is fading, agriculture remains the enduring source of wealth,” they said, urging the public to adopt healthier diets, reduce food waste, and protect the environment.
Students from participating schools were also in attendance, underscoring the programme’s focus on grooming a new generation of agriculturists. The launch took place simultaneously across all 36 states, signaling a nationwide commitment to food security through grassroots agricultural empowerment.
