The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has launched a comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme Workshop in Rivers State, aimed at equipping farmers, students, women, and small-scale investors with modern and sustainable agricultural skills to boost productivity and food security.
The workshop, which began on Friday at the Ministry of Justice Auditorium in Port Harcourt, was formally declared open by Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, wife of the Rivers State Governor, representing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Lady Fubara emphasised the importance of agriculture as a vital enterprise that demanded commitment and informed practices.
She urged participants to take the training seriously, noting that it would serve as a preparatory step toward the Agricultural Empowerment Programme scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
“I want to see how participants are being prepared for the upcoming agri-empowerment next Tuesday.
“Please, take every lecture seriously because it will help your business. Those in poultry or crop production will learn how to better care for their livestock and crops. Knowledge is key to empowerment, ” she said.
The workshop featured technical sessions on crop production, livestock, and poultry management, offering participants practical guidance designed to enhance productivity and ensure sustainable growth within the state’s agricultural sector.
Professor Udensi Udensi, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt,
delivering a keynote address titled: “General Smart Agriculture in Relation to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI),” underscored the role of agriculture in driving national development.
Udensi, represented by Professor Joseph Orluchukwu, underscored the role of agriculture in driving national development.
He explained that embracing smart and innovative agricultural methods is essential for combating food insecurity in developing economies experiencing rapid population growth.
“Traditional farming methods have struggled to meet growing food demands. However, the adoption of innovative tools and smart farming practices is a game-changer.
“Government must also implement supportive policies, provide subsidies for essential tools like seeds and irrigation systems, and invest in critical infrastructure. Strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as NGOs, are vital for empowering farmers with education, resources, and support,” he said.
He emphasised the need for innovative and smart farming practices to combat food insecurity in developing economies.
The workshop highlighted the importance of innovative farming practices by adopting modern and smart farming methods to increase productivity and efficiency, implementing supportive policies, providing subsidies, and investing in critical infrastructure to empower farmers among others.
The programme aimed to empower local farmers and entrepreneurs, promote self-reliance, and strengthen food production capacity across Nigeria.
The workshop is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s nationwide agricultural empowerment drive, and its impact is expected to be felt in the agricultural sector.
