87 Lagos Farmers Receive ₦11.4m Grant as Renewed Hope Initiative Launches Agricultural Support Programme

Eighty-seven smallholder farmers in Lagos State have benefited from ₦11.4 million in agricultural grants under the 2025 Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-ASP)—a federal government initiative driven by the Renewed Hope Initiative to promote food security, youth empowerment, and economic resilience.

The grant disbursement took place at Lagos House, Ikeja, marking the official launch of the programme’s Lagos chapter. The event also introduced four key components of the initiative:

• Women Agricultural Support Programme
• Youth Agricultural Support Programme
• Every Home a Garden 2.0
• Young Farmers Club 2.0

Out of the 87 recipients, 27 women and youth received ₦200,000 each, along with essential farming inputs to help scale their agri-businesses. The remaining 60 beneficiaries, selected from across Lagos’ senatorial districts, received ₦100,000 each under the Every Home a Garden 2.0 initiative. They are engaged in diverse agricultural ventures such as poultry, fish farming, vegetable growing, beekeeping, zobo drink production, and garri processing.

To nurture the next generation of agriculturists, 120 students from 24 junior and senior secondary schools across Lagos will take part in the Young Farmers Club 2.0, designed to embed agricultural education and hands-on training in schools.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, praised the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for backing the programme with ₦60 million. She described the initiative as a strategic intervention for food security and women and youth empowerment.

“This programme is changing how people perceive agriculture. It’s no longer seen as a last resort but as a gateway to independence and a sustainable livelihood,” she said.

Also in attendance was Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, who emphasized the importance of home-based farming as a sustainable solution to household food needs and rising food prices.

Guest speakers, including seasoned agriculturist Femi Ojelade and Lagos Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Omolara Oguntuyi, urged youths to seize the opportunities in modern agriculture. They stressed the enduring value of organic farming, food sustainability, and the shift from oil to agriculture as a long-term wealth creator.

The programme also saw strong participation from students and educators, symbolizing a growing movement to cultivate future farmers and agripreneurs.

With the launch of RHI-ASP across all 36 states, Nigeria is signaling a firm commitment to grassroots agricultural development as a pathway to national food security and economic empowerment.