62-year-old retiree wins N20m in #EveryHomeAGarden competition

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Veronica Mbaya, a 62-year-old retiree from Borno State, has emerged as the winner of the #EveryHomeAGarden competition, taking home a grand prize of N20 million.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in a statement by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi on Thursday said the competition, an initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) ended on Wednesday with a ceremony celebrating the participants’ efforts in promoting food security through home gardening.

The First Lady commended the women who participated in the competition, describing them as vital contributors to food security and the nation’s agricultural revolution under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“This competition has created a positive awareness of home gardening for women across the country. I commend our first-time women farmers for their passion and dedication to ensuring food security for their families and neighbours,” she said.

The competition, which began in October 2023, saw 20 entries submitted from 19 states and the FCT.

A team led by the wives of key government officials, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Deputy Senate President, inspected the shortlisted gardens in Borno, Sokoto, and the FCT before selecting the winner.

Mrs Mbaya’s garden stood out for its exceptional quality and impact, earning her the top spot.In addition to the N20 million prize from the RHI, she received N5 million from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND) and N1 million from the Borno State Government.

Mrs Tinubu emphasised the broader significance of the initiative, stating, “The contributions of these women go beyond competition; they are building a foundation for food security and sustainable agriculture.”

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, announced plans to adopt the competition as an annual event under the National Agricultural Urban Programme.

NADFUND Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim also pledged continued support, offering training opportunities and additional cash rewards to participants.

Each of the 19 finalists was awarded N1 million by the RHI, N1 million from their respective state governments, and N500,000 from NADFUND, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to empowering women and promoting urban agriculture.

The First Lady reiterated the administration’s dedication to food security and applauded the women for their efforts in transforming their homes into hubs of agricultural productivity.