62-Year-Old Retiree Wins N20M in #EveryHomeAGarden Competition

62-Year-Old Retiree Wins N20M in #EveryHomeAGarden Competition

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and National Chairman of the RHI, Winner of the RHI powered #Every Home a Garden Competition, Veronica Kidafa Mabaya from Borno State with the wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman of the RHI Hajia Nana Shettima at the announcement of the winner of the competition held at State House Abuja on Wednesday 4th December, 2024

Abuja, Nigeria – Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mabaya, a 62-year-old retiree from Borno State, has emerged as the winner of the inaugural #Every Home a Garden Competition, taking home a grand prize of ₦20 million. The competition, spearheaded by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aims to promote home gardening and food security across Nigeria.

The announcement was made by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the competition's grand finale in Abuja. Senator Tinubu praised the participants for their passion and dedication to home gardening, highlighting the role of women in ensuring food security and driving agricultural development under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I commend our first-time women farmers for their commitment to improving food security for their families and communities,” the First Lady said. “This competition has created positive awareness about the importance of home gardening, and I congratulate all participants for their efforts.”

Selection Process

The competition, which began in October 2023, attracted 20 entries from 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The RHI Governing Board, led by prominent figures including the wives of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Senate President, and the Chief of Staff to the President, inspected the top gardens in Borno, the FCT, and Sokoto before selecting the winner.

Wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman of the RHI Hajia Nana Shettima, First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and National Chairman of the RHI, Winner of the RHI powered #Every Home a Garden Competition, Veronica Kidafa Mabaya from Borno State, wife of the Borno State Governor, Prof Mrs Falmata Babagana Zulum and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Sen. Sabi Abdullahi at the announcement of the winner of the competition held at State House Abuja on Wednesday 4th December, 2024

“After thorough deliberations, I am delighted to announce that Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mabaya is the winner of the #Every Home a Garden Competition. Congratulations to her and all the finalists,” Senator Tinubu announced.

Prize Breakdown

Mrs. Mabaya received ₦20 million from the RHI, ₦5 million from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND), and an additional ₦1 million from the Borno State Government.

The 19 other finalists were also rewarded with ₦1 million each from the RHI, ₦1 million from their respective state governments, and ₦500,000 each from NADFUND.

Future of the Competition

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

Wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman of the RHI Hajia Nana Shettima, First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and National Chairman of the RHI, Winner of the RHI powered #Every Home a Garden Competition, Veronica Kidafa Mabaya from Borno State, wife of the Borno State Governor, Prof Mrs Falmata Babagana Zulum at the announcement of the winner of the competition held at State House Abuja on Wednesday 4th December, 2024

In addition, NADFUND’s Executive Secretary/CEO, Mohammed Ibrahim, pledged continued support for women farmers through training opportunities and additional cash rewards for the finalists.

The First Lady concluded by reaffirming her commitment to empowering women and fostering initiatives that contribute to the nation’s food security and agricultural development.

Signed:
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria
4th December 2024