First Lady Tinubu flags off planting season in Niger, lauds mechanised, commercially viable agriculture

*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu flags off the 2026 farming season in Niger State, and presents tools, implements to farmers, describing event as signalling a deliberate transition from subsistence practices to modern, mechanised, and commercially viable agriculture in the country

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu has flagged off the 2026 farming season in Niger State.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the occasion, which was the distribution of farming tools and implements to farmers, was a visible testament to the country’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and rural prosperity.

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Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the First Lady on Media, Saturday, May 2, 2026, on a statement noted Senator Tinubu said: “Today’s event is not just the commencement of another farming season; it is a bold statement that Nigeria is ready to feed herself.

“It signals a deliberate transition from subsistence practices to modern, mechanised, and commercially viable agriculture.”

She stated: “This gesture will no doubt empower our farmers with the tools needed to increase productivity, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen our GDP.

“In declaring a State of Emergency on Food Security on July 13th, 2023, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, made it clear that food availability and affordability must be treated as national priorities.”

The First Lady also noted: “With the direct support to farmers through the release of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, this initiative by the Niger State Government aligns with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President on boosting agriculture for food self-sufficiency.”

The Nigerian First Lady as well-paid glowing tribute to the country’s farmers who she described as the backbone of the economy.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: “I want to especially commend our farmers, the men, women, and youth who rise before dawn and labour tirelessly on the land, so that millions of families can have food on their tables. “You are the backbone of our nation’s survival, and the reason for today’s support is to ensure that your efforts do not go unrecognised.”

Earlier in his remarks at the event, the Niger State Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago had emphasised that agriculture remains a priority of his administration.

Governor Bago said with the sector as one of the pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the sector would continue to get adequate support and attention.

He also commended President Tinubu for his boldness in removing fuel subsidy which he said necessitated the nation to look more towards agriculture.

The Niger State Governor further stated: “The removal of fuel subsidy has made more money available to the sub-nationals which has made us, as a state to achieve more in the area of agriculture.”

Likewise, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi, Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, commended the Niger State Government.

The Minister said with the provision of modern tools and implements, there would be enhanced productivity from farmers.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress, explained that with the flag-off of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway which will have over 300 dams, agricultural production and improved transportation of farming season produce is assured.

The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu later handed over a total of 250 tractors with 75horse power capacity, 50 Combined tractors, 150,000 bags of fertilizers and others to be distributed among the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

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