In a bid to bolster self-sufficiency in food production and empower Nigerian households, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced the introduction of a National Urban Agricultural Programme (NUAP).
The programme is scheduled to take off in 2025, with financial provisions contained in the year’s Appropriation proposals.
This was disclosed on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, by the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, while speaking at the grand finale of the “Every Home A Garden” competition organized by the Office of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative: Agricultural and Food Security Programme, held in Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
The Minister of State said the NUAP would be boosted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security taking over the “Every Home A Garden” and “Young Farmers Club” projects, which were components of the First Lady’s Agricultural Support Programme. “Our National Urban Agricultural Programme will institutionalize the gains of these initiatives for the good of all,” the Minister said.
The Minister of State also praised Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her “unwavering commitment and forward-looking vision that has ignited a nationwide movement.”
He noted that the “Every Home A Garden” competition “has not only encouraged citizens, especially women, to embrace home gardening but also contributed to healthier lifestyles, reduced household food insecurity, and strengthened community ties.”
While applauding the First Lady for her “exceptional leadership in paving the path towards ensuring the success of her pet project,” Sen. Sabi Abdullahi said the “Every Home A Garden” competition “recognizes creativity, excellence, commitment to sustainable gardening practices, and household self-sufficiency.”
He congratulated the winner of the maiden edition of the competition, Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mbaya, of Borno State.
“Every Home A Garden” competition was launched in October 2023 by Sen. Tinubu. The winner took home a combined prize of N25 million.
Signed
Mrs Umar Rashida
Prin. Information Officer
For: Director, Information
