The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has begun an Agricultural Support Programme Workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to strengthen food security and empower people in rural communities across Southern Nigeria.
The workshop aims to equip farmers, women, youths, students, and small-scale agribusiness owners with essential skills in modern and sustainable farming practices, helping them increase productivity and income generation.
Declaring the event open on behalf of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Mrs. Valerie Fubara, commended the initiative for prioritizing agricultural capacity building.
In her remarks, Mrs. Fubara stressed the importance of agriculture as a foundation for economic stability and food sufficiency. She encouraged participants to take full advantage of the sessions, describing the programme as an important step ahead of the Agricultural Empowerment Programme scheduled for October 14, 2025.
“Agriculture is not a hobby but a serious enterprise that demands knowledge and discipline. Whether you work in poultry, crop cultivation, or livestock production, this training will help you gain the practical experience needed to improve results. Please make the most of it,” she advised.
The workshop includes technical sessions on crop cultivation, livestock care, and poultry management. Participants will be introduced to methods aimed at boosting yields, encouraging agribusiness innovation, and ensuring long-term success for local farmers.
A keynote address, titled “General Smart Agriculture in Relation to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)”, was delivered by Professor Joseph Orluchukwu, represented by Professor Udensi Udensi, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt.
Professor Orluchukwu emphasized the urgency of adopting technology-driven “smart agriculture” to meet the country’s growing food needs.
“With Nigeria’s rising population, food demand is increasing rapidly. To meet this challenge, we must embrace modern techniques, upgrade our infrastructure, and support farmers through education and access to finance,” he stated.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations to ensure sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
The RHI Agricultural Support Programme is part of a nationwide plan to reduce unemployment, promote self-reliance, and enhance Nigeria’s food production systems. It aligns with the federal government’s broader efforts toward economic diversification.
Participants described the training as timely, practical, and inspiring, noting that the knowledge gained would significantly improve their farming operations and contribute to the state’s agricultural development.
The workshop will continue throughout the week, leading up to the Agricultural Empowerment Day on October 14, when selected participants will receive starter packs and additional support to expand or launch their agribusiness ventures.
Through this initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative reaffirms its commitment to inclusive growth, empowering women and youths to play key roles in achieving a food-secure and self-reliant Nigeria.
