The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has advised that the implementation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda should include the strategic development of the agricultural sector and the empowerment of women.
This advice came during a meeting with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Minister, Nyesom Wike, who was at the State House in Abuja to discuss areas of collaboration.
Minister Wike, who was accompanied by the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmood, said that the collaboration is necessary because there is currently no directorate for women’s affairs in the FCT. He said, “We want to collaborate with her on how to take care of women and work with her to ensure that the Renewed Hope agenda is achieved. The FCT wants to play its own role in that agenda.”
Minister Wike said that he will seek approval from the President to establish a directorate for women’s affairs in the FCT. While waiting for approval, he appealed to the First Lady to consider him and his ministry as part of her team.
The First Lady commended Minister Wike for his focus on women’s inclusion. She also welcomed the FCT’s moves to develop agriculture, which is one of the priority areas of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She said, “Just this morning, I saw a newsflash that the FCT Minister is collaborating with Israel on agriculture, and I said I would love to discuss agriculture with the honorable minister. Although women and children is what we do, it is not just for women. We went as far as Belarus to study what they are doing. They have so much to offer in different areas, and they are willing to assist, going as far as offering us scholarships at the Renewed Hope Initiative.”
The First Lady continued, “What you have done today has really brought a lot of ease to our work because once you have the directorate there, we will know how to reach them. That is why I think that God has a hand in what we are doing. You have really lightened my burden.”