Abuja, May 27, 2024 – Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, on Monday said Young Farmers’ Club would be launched in public primary and secondary schools across the country.
She announced this during a special celebration tagged “Celebrating with our Children” in commemoration of the 2024 Children’s Day celebration.
The club, with the motto “Growing the Food I Eat Starts with me”, aims to encourage farming among young Nigerians.
Busola Kukoyi, her Senior Special Assistant on Media, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday that the First Lady advised the children to always ask questions and seek guidance in spite of their challenges.
“The Young Farmers’ Club, an initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), will be launched in state-owned primary and secondary schools.
“The first school to start the club will receive branded club T-shirts and trousers for its members.
“The school with the best farm in each state will be identified and awarded prizes, including school renovations, equipping of school laboratories, provision of ICT equipment, and upgrading of school libraries.
“In addition to our various educational interventions, the ‘Young Farmers’ Club’ will soon be launched in public schools across the nation.
“The club will be launched in state-owned primary and secondary schools. The motto of this club is ‘Growing the Food I Eat Starts with me’. This initiative is to encourage farming among our young population.
“The first school to start the Club, either primary or secondary, will have their members kitted with branded club T-shirts and trousers.
“The school with the best farm in each state would be identified, and prizes would be given to them, ranging from school renovations, equipping of school laboratories, provision of ICT equipment, and upgrading of school libraries, as their preference may be.
“I encourage you all to participate in this and begin to nurture your gardens in your schools and at home”, she said.
She encouraged the children to nurture their curiosity, continue learning, and never be afraid to ask questions, adding that they should dream big and aspire for greatness, despite the challenges they may face.
“I want to encourage you to nurture your curiosity and keep learning. Getting the right education and going to school is important for your future. Never be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance. No matter the challenges you may face, continue to dream big, and aspire for greatness,” she said.
First Lady Tinubu reassured the children that President Bola Tinubu is committed to building a nation where every Nigerian child can reach their full potential, expressing optimism about the promising future that lies ahead for the children of Nigeria.
The event, which featured cultural displays by schools in attendance, was attended by dignitaries, including the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima.
In her welcome remarks, Hajia Nana Shettima, commended the First Lady for hosting over 500 school children at the State House to celebrate them, saying is a testament to her commitment to ensuring that all segments are celebrated and supported.
“Our First Lady has always attached importance to the development of our children and this is evident in the various programmes launched under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which focuses on improving the health, education, and wellbeing of women and children.
“Through her Renewed Hope Initiative pet project, she has implemented various social investment programmes which are significant for children because when mothers are healthier and empowered, they can adequately pay for their children’s needs including their education”, she said.
Hajia Nana Shetimma advised the children to imbibe the virtues of resilience, discipline, and hard work. She prayed for them to grow to be children who will make the nation proud.
A grant of N10 million was given to each of the participating schools from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support their developmental needs.
The event was attended by various dignitaries including the wife of the Senate President Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Abass, and wives of service chiefs amongst others.
