In an inspiring display of dedication and passion, 62-year-old retiree Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mabaya from Borno State has emerged as winner of the #EveryHomeGarden Competition, organized by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Mrs. Mabaya took home a staggering N26 million in prize money.
At the unveiling ceremony held at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised all participating women, acknowledging their vital contributions to ensuring food security in Nigeria.
“I am glad to see that this competition has created a positive awareness in home gardening for women across the country,” she said.
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The competition, which began in October 2023, received 20 impressive entries from 19 states and the FCT.
A delegation inspected the gardens, ultimately selecting Mrs. Mabaya as the winner. Senator Tinubu noted that the women’s passion made choosing a winner incredibly challenging.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Sen. Sabi Abdullahi announced that the ministry would adopt the competition as an annual event under the National Agricultural Urban Program. The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND) also pledged support with training opportunities and additional cash rewards.
Mrs. Mabaya received N20 million from RHI, N5 million from NADFUND, and N1 million from the Borno State Government. The 19 finalists also received substantial prizes, including N1 million from RHI, N1 million from their state governments, and N500,000 from NADFUND