The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, has distributed agricultural support materials to 800 farmers in the state as part of efforts to enhance food production and strengthen Nigeria’s food security drive.
The initiative, implemented with support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Young Farmers’ Club of Nigeria, was unveiled at a ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Representing the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Rivers State governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the empowerment materials to grow their seedlings, nurture livestock, and increase yields.
“Grow these seedlings, nurture these livestock, and turn them into good yields,” she said. “As you do that, you will also reawaken the entrepreneurial spirit that we are known for.”
Lady Fubara described the intervention as a practical step toward reviving Nigeria’s agricultural potential, drawing lessons from past government programmes such as Operation Feed the Nation and the Green Revolution.
She noted that the empowerment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, tackling food scarcity, and helping farmers expand their businesses sustainably.
“This support programme is not just assistance; it is an investment that will lead to food surplus and help combat scarcity,” she said.
Lady Fubara also announced that the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is complementing the federal intervention with additional support for 400 farmers, including 100 young and 300 older farmers, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 800.
“The First Lady of Nigeria is trusting you to make the best use of this opportunity. The Rivers State government believes in your ability; do not let us down,” she added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, described the programme as a platform for inclusive growth and sustainable development, noting that it highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to improving livelihoods through agriculture.
“This initiative embodies the Federal Government’s commitment to improving lives through sustainable and inclusive development,” she said.
The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, commended the exercise as timely and impactful, urging the beneficiaries to become advocates for food production and rural development. She also appealed for the inclusion of civil servants in future empowerment programmes.
The empowerment initiative is part of broader national efforts to boost agricultural productivity, empower smallholder farmers, and promote self-reliance in food production, aligning with Nigeria’s goal of achieving long-term food security and rural prosperity.
