* distributes farming kits to pupils
By Chesa Chesa
First Lady Remi Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja launched the Young Farmers Club, Nigeria, during which the first 240 members of the Club were inducted and presented with handbooks and farming kits.
The launch of the Club, which is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the First Lady’s Renewed Hope initiative (RHI) aims to catch the youth early so as inculcate in them the love of agriculture and farming.
Mrs. Tinubu explained on the occasion that “by making farming more appealing to our pupils and students. We are not just teaching them how to farm; we are also nurturing a generation that will transform our agricultural landscape, imbibe modern farming techniques, and ensure that Nigeria remains self-sufficient in food production, in line with the food security drive of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR”.
She noted that with the club spread across various schools in Nigeria, it will create the understanding that farming is not just an occupation but a way of life which can create employment opportunities for the teeming youth population and help diversify the economy.
“Agriculture has always been the backbone of our nation. From time past, we have tilled the land with our hands and hearts, to the present, where agriculture continues to be a crucial part of our daily lives and economy.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI is launching the Young Farmers Club, Nigeria with some pilot schools in the Federal Capital Territory to kick-start the club nationwide. We have chosen twelve (12) schools today, comprising of pupils in upper primary schools and students in junior secondary schools.
“Therefore, interested schools nationwide should register with the First Ladies of their respective States. This registration will then be channeled to the Young Farmers Club desk Office at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in their various State for necessary provisions and support.
“The club activities are to be further supported by the respective States once the allotted resources are expended”, the First Lady declared.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, noted that the initiative would enhance the interest of the young in agriculture as a career. He urged the newly inducted members to take pride in their choice of being members of the Club as they represent an important group of people responsible for feeding Nigerians.
The inductees, drawn from various primary and junior secondary schools and kitted in their Young Farmers Club uniforms,were administered the Pledge by the Minister and then presented with their membership cards and farming tools by the First lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
A statement issued by Mrs. Tinubu’s spokeswoman, Busola Kukoyi, noted that the wife of the Kwara State Governor, Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq received samples of the items on behalf of other State Governors Wives as the club is to be replicated in the various states.
