The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has urged families across the state to embrace home gardening as a vital tool for achieving food security and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the training and distribution of starter packs for the Agricultural Support Programme on Tuesday, she emphasized that agriculture must begin at home, with every family playing a role in food production.
“As a wife, mother, and advocate for healthy living, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that home gardens can have on families and communities.
“From providing a sustainable source of food to fostering a sense of community and cooperation, home gardens have the power to transform lives,” Mrs Otti stated.
She explained that the ‘Every Home a Garden’ initiative is designed to encourage households to cultivate small gardens, ensuring access to fresh produce while reducing dependence on expensive market-bought food.
She highlighted the numerous benefits of home gardening, including improved nutrition, stress relief, and opportunities for additional income generation.
Beyond home gardening, Mrs Otti stressed the broader vision of the agricultural support program, which aims to equip women and youths with the necessary skills to drive innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
She noted that the training covered crucial areas such as organic fertilizer production, pest control, animal feed production, rice farming, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), all facilitated by industry experts.
“Agriculture is the backbone of any thriving economy, and we must equip our people with the right knowledge and tools to excel in this field,” she said.
Mrs. Otti noted that the distribution of starter packs is a crucial aspect of the empowerment process, emphasizing that they are more than just tools and equipment.
“The starter packs we are distributing today are more than just tools and equipment; they represent hope, opportunity, and empowerment,” she said.
She commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for spearheading the initiative, which she said is under the Renewed Hope Programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
She also appreciated the facilitators, partners, and organizers whose contributions ensured the program’s success.
Furthermore, she urged participants to maximize the opportunity by applying the knowledge they gained to boost agricultural productivity, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the state’s economy.
“You are the future of agriculture. Apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained to make a tangible difference in your communities,” she encouraged.
Participants expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a life-changing opportunity.
