The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), under the leadership of its Director General, Chukwuemeka Woke, has distributed a total of N150 million in grants to over 300 farmers in the 14 wards of Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State.
Among the recipients were 200 women, political party members, aides to the former LGA chairman, and social media staff, who each received N50,000.
The beneficiaries could barely contain their excitement, with many expressing their deep appreciation for the financial aid.
NOSDRA Director General, Chukwuemeka Woke, while speaking at the distribution event in Isiodo community, highlighted that the aim of the initiative was to empower small-scale farmers by providing them with the financial means to rent farmland, buy necessary crops, and cover the costs of clearing and weeding their plots.
This assistance is expected to foster productive farming activities, leading to a successful harvest by the end of the year.
The program aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s back-to-farm initiative.
“The goal is to help these farmers so that by December, they will harvest crops, particularly cassava, which can be processed into garri and sold for a profit,” Woke explained.
He emphasized that Emohua’s residents are primarily subsistence farmers, and at the start of each year, they typically prepare to return to their farms.
However, many face challenges in securing land, with rental fees often exceeding N10,000.
In addition, the cost of clearing and weeding the land, often done multiple times, presents a significant burden on these farmers.
Woke further explained that the true meaning of empowerment lies in equipping individuals with the resources necessary to sustain themselves and build a more secure future.
“This is exactly what the Renewed Hope Initiative aims to achieve—economic self-sufficiency and sustainability,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Benibo George, the PDP State Secretary, representing State Chairman Chukwuemeka Aaron, commended the program, describing it as a step in human development.
He called on the beneficiaries to use the grants wisely and commended Woke for his leadership in driving the initiative.
“Farming is the backbone of the local economy, and this initiative will greatly boost food production in our state,” George remarked.
Meanwhile, APC State Chairman Tony Okocha extended his gratitude on behalf of the Renewed Hope Family, thanking the Federal Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the continued support.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to invest their grants wisely, stressing the immense potential of agriculture in the state.
The initiative has received approval from agricultural stakeholders who view it as a crucial effort to improve food production and empower small-scale farmers across Nigeria.