In a concerted effort to bolster food security and support small-scale farmers, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), has disbursed grants to over 300 farmers across the 14 wards of Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State. This initiative, under the Renewed Hope Back to Farm Support Program, is aimed at empowering the local farming community.
Among the beneficiaries are 200 women, party supporters, aides to the former Chairman, and social media aides, all of whom received N50,000 each. Their excitement was palpable as they received their grants, which are expected to provide much-needed financial assistance for their farming activities.
Engr. Woke explained that the initiative was designed to assist small-scale farmers in Emohua LGA by offering financial support to rent land, purchase staple crops, and cover the costs of land clearing and weeding. The hope is that by the end of the year, these farmers will be able to harvest their crops—especially cassava—and process them into garri, generating significant income.
Speaking at the grant distribution event in Isiodo community, Emohua LGA, Woke emphasized that the program aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady’s “Back to Farm” initiative.
“The goal is to empower farmers so that by December, they can harvest and sell their produce, making hundreds of thousands of naira,” Woke said.
Woke also highlighted that the people of Emohua are known for subsistence farming, where they traditionally return to the farm each year. However, he acknowledged that some farmers struggle with the financial burden of securing land and preparing it for cultivation, which can cost up to N10,000 or more.
“The true essence of empowerment is enabling people to survive and sustain themselves, and that is the core of the Renewed Hope Initiative. This program is expected to have a positive impact on both the beneficiaries and the state’s overall food security,” he explained.
At the event, Dr. Benibo George, PDP State Secretary, representing the State Chairman Chukwuemeka Aaron, praised the initiative as a true example of human development. He encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the grants wisely and called on Woke to continue the program’s momentum, noting that agriculture is the backbone of the local economy.
Tony Okocha, APC State Chairman, also expressed gratitude to the coordinator of the initiative on behalf of the Renewed Hope Family. He thanked Nyesom Wike, the leader of the Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State, for his continued support of the program. Okocha urged the beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in the state’s economy.
“The potential in agriculture is vast, so mothers, please make the most of these grants,” Okocha urged.
The initiative has been hailed by stakeholders in the agricultural sector as a significant step towards ensuring food security in Nigeria.
Some of the beneficiaries shared their enthusiasm, expressing confidence that the grant will positively impact their farming ventures. Uchechukwu Otuonu, a beneficiary, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am truly grateful to be among those receiving this support. Such assistance is rare, and I pray that God replenishes the sources of this support. I assure the organizers that we will use the funds wisely.”
