Sanwo-Olu’s wife disburses N46m to 260 beneficiaries

By Lukman Olabiyi

In a move aimed at strengthening food security and tackling food shortages, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has disbursed a total of N46 million to 260 beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Initiative–Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-ASP) 2025.

The disbursement was made during the official launch of the Lagos chapter of the programme at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja.

The initiative, founded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, comprises four key components: Women Agricultural Support Programme (WASP), Youth Agricultural Support Programme (YASP), Every Home A Garden (EHAG), and Young Farmers Club (YFC).

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensuring food security through grassroots agricultural empowerment.

“A sum of N200,000 has been transferred to each of the 200 beneficiaries present under the Women and Youth Agricultural Support Programme. In addition, N100,000 each is being disbursed to 60 beneficiaries under the Every Home A Garden Initiative,”she announced.

According to the First Lady, each beneficiary also received farming inputs to support their agricultural ventures and increase productivity. She added that 120 students from 24 schools across Lagos’ six educational districts would participate in the Young Farmers Club 2.0 project, aimed at nurturing interest in agriculture among the younger generation.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu praised the leadership of Senator Tinubu, describing her as a visionary who has made agriculture a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Through her Renewed Hope Initiative, agriculture has become a key focus in achieving national development goals,” she said.

She noted that this year’s edition of the programme has adopted senatorial district-based participation as well as online platforms to foster broader inclusion.

“In the coming years, we hope to expand to include professionals, people with special needs, and faith-based groups for even greater participation,” she added.

The wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, also lauded the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of purposeful leadership.

“This is a seed of opportunity. When nurtured, it will yield prosperity. The future of our country lies in small seeds planted today,” she remarked.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, applauded the beneficiaries for their contributions to Lagos’ agricultural sector.

“You are helping to ease the pressure on our food markets and promoting self-reliance. We have seen millionaires emerge from past empowerment programmes,” she said.

The event concluded with an exhibition and documentary presentation highlighting the achievements of past beneficiaries and members of the Young Farmers Club across the state.