Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Farm Initiative Encouraging Farming – Oyebanji

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Farm Initiative, describing it as a major step toward reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector and encouraging youth participation in farming.Speaking at the official launch of the initiative in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji noted that the programme reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to achieving food security, reducing unemployment, and strengthening rural economies. He said the Renewed Hope Farm Initiative has rekindled national interest in agriculture by providing opportunities for individuals, especially the youth, to engage in productive and profitable farming activities.

The governor praised the federal government for introducing a practical and result-oriented programme aimed at empowering farmers and ensuring sustainable food production. According to him, the initiative complements the state’s agricultural policies and ongoing efforts to modernise farming through mechanisation, training, and access to credit facilities.

“This initiative is a testament to President Tinubu’s vision of restoring Nigeria’s agricultural pride and reducing dependence on food imports. It is encouraging more people, particularly our youth, to see farming as a viable business and a means of wealth creation,” Oyebanji said.

He noted that Ekiti State has been proactive in aligning with the federal government’s agricultural agenda, citing the establishment of the Ekiti State Agro-Allied Investment Zone and partnerships with private investors to boost agribusiness. The Renewed Hope Farm Initiative, he added, would accelerate the state’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

Oyebanji assured the federal government of Ekiti’s readiness to provide the necessary support for the success of the initiative. He emphasized that agriculture remains central to economic diversification, rural development, and job creation.

He also called on local farmers, cooperatives, and youths across the state to take full advantage of the programme’s opportunities, which include training, access to improved seedlings, farm inputs, and market linkages.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, who represented the Presidency at the event, said the Renewed Hope Farm Initiative aims to establish cluster farms across the country to improve food production, reduce inflation, and enhance food availability.

Uzoma explained that the initiative focuses on providing technical support, mechanised equipment, irrigation systems, and capacity building for local farmers to improve yields and efficiency. He added that the federal government’s goal is to make agriculture a sustainable and profitable venture for Nigerians.

“The Renewed Hope Farm Initiative is not just about planting crops; it is about creating jobs, ensuring food security, and strengthening Nigeria’s economy from the grassroots,” Uzoma stated.

He revealed that the initiative would also involve partnerships with state governments, local authorities, and the private sector to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.

The programme, he said, would target youths, women, and smallholder farmers, providing them with access to resources and mentorship to drive innovation in the agricultural value chain.

Governor Oyebanji also highlighted the role of technology and modern techniques in achieving the objectives of the initiative. He urged participants to embrace innovation, use digital tools for farm management, and adopt environmentally friendly practices.

He reaffirmed Ekiti’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, noting that agriculture offers a lasting solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges if properly harnessed.

Stakeholders present at the event, including representatives of farmer associations, cooperatives, and agribusiness firms, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and transformative.

They expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Farm Initiative would address the challenges of low productivity, high food costs, and unemployment, while restoring confidence in Nigeria’s agricultural potential.

The launch of the programme in Ekiti State marks another milestone in the federal government’s ongoing effort to promote agricultural development and ensure food self-sufficiency across the nation.