The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), through her agricultural support program, amplified by the Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has empowered over 200 beneficiaries with equipments in Anambra State.
The ceremony was held at Anambra State Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.
Addressing beneficiaries in her opening remarks, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, Wife of the Anambra State Governor, who has been amplifying RHI in the state, said: “You have passed through a comprehensive training period that prepares you for this important moment. Each one of you was selected through a transparent, random process. In line with the mandate of the program, we carefully laid down a seamless selection pattern that took note of individual criteria for the training and empowerment programs. You all are super lucky to be part of today’s event.”
She added: “You all have been trained in different departments including: Feed processing, vegetable farming, drip irrigation installation, and Piggery. Each of these training offers you a platform to learn, develop, and become financially sustained.”
“From different women groups, youth organizations, political associations, school clubs, we have brought together a complete group of like-minded individuals. The President’s wife is super proud of your tenacity, commitment, belief, and sacrifice.”
“Economic Empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and we have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six (6) geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
“As you go home today with these valuable items, I urge you to make the best use of them. You have been empowered for a particular purpose, and we expect you to make that purpose count. What you are going home with today should not be sold or used for something different from the objectives of the program.”
“The expectation is that you will not just become employed but ultimately lead a network of people who would find an exemplary impact from your businesses. We have trained you. Now, it’s your turn to train others. Like that, we can end unemployment and poverty, build financial independence, create better income platforms, raise financial growth, and grow our economy,” she said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health and State Coordinator, Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo, Dr. Afam Obidike, disclosed that the beneficiaries initially were up to 500 but after training, screening, and examination was taken, and only 200 persons succeeded. He further disclosed that Mrs. Soludo personally went to Anambra State College of Education, Mgbakwu, to supervise the training of beneficiaries while funding them with transportation allowances to avoid any obstacle from preventing them from undergoing their training.
On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, reiterated that agriculture remains the most available access to a great future that we aspire for. “Today, we see a practical step in the right direction. What is displayed here today, we have the input for production and equipments required for processing. I am so excited that over 200 of our citizens have been empowered to take responsibility for that future they desire,” he said.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Lady Oluchi Ibezim; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Ify Obinabo; Mayor of Idemili South, Mrs. Amaka Obi; APGA State Woman Leader, Lady Esther Onyekesi; APGA State Youth Leader, Dr. Tochukwu Obiadi; ASATU Woman Leader, Lady Ify Okaro; ASATU Youth President, Comrade Ken Okoli; PPSSC Chairman, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu; heads of religious organizations; Representative of APC Woman Leader, Mrs. Stella Chikeru; members of the Solution Kitchen; and the Young Farmers Club, among others.
