"Every Home A Garden" winner to be revealed Dec 4, with N20m prize

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, is set to unveil the winner of the “Every Home A Garden” competition on December 4, 2024. The winner will receive a prize money of N20 million.

The initiative, launched nearly a year ago under the auspices of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aims to promote food self-sufficiency by encouraging women across the nation to establish home gardens.

In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the decision follows a final selection review held in her office, where Mrs. Tinubu expressed her satisfaction with the competition’s outcomes.

“The objective of this competition has been achieved because people can now feed themselves and their neighbours. When we started this journey, like almost a year ago, nobody would have believed us that it is possible.”

“However, as we can see, even from the State House garden, we know the possibility of what it could mean for people to grow some food from home.”

The First Lady highlighted the transformative potential of home gardening, referencing the State House garden as a model for what individuals can achieve. “This is to ensure food sufficiency. Even as of yesterday (Monday), I was still harvesting. The tea that I took this morning is so medicinal; I am really happy; this would have not been possible if it had not been for God and all the people that God has equipped this office with to do the work.”

“Everybody is dedicated; we thank God for our husbands too; they are all friends of RHI, and we are satisfied with the winner, which would be announced officially by December 4th,” she added.

The competition culminated in a final presentation where three finalists showcased their gardening efforts to Tinubu and a panel of assessors.

The initiative has not only inspired women to cultivate gardens but has also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among participants.

Wife of the Vice President and Vice-Chairman of RHI, Nana Shettima, commended the First Lady for her dedication and passion for promoting food security.