Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged youths to engage in farming to ensure self-sufficiency and food sustainability in the country.
She made this call during an empowerment program for youths in Oyo State, where 50 beneficiaries received cash, farm implements, and fertilizer to boost their farm production.
The program, held under the “Renewed Hope Initiative,” aimed to promote agriculture development, create employment opportunities, and boost economic empowerment for youths.
While speaking, the Wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, represented by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni said that in recent time, there has been a decline in youth participation in agriculture due to misconception about its economic viability.
She noted that the program is aim to change the narrative and demonstrate the potential of agriculture as a viable career path.
Mrs Makinde further posited that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Oyo state government to promote agriculture development, create employment opportunities, and boost economic empowerment for the youth.
She admonished Oyo state Youth to engage in agriculture by involving precision planning, Agri-tech, innovation, and value chain development.
Mrs Makinde admonished the youth to take full advantage of the opportunity, using the knowledge and tools received to establish sustainable agriculture practices for their livelihood and for the safety of the future generation.
She commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her efforts in launching the initiative reduce challenges of youth employment and food security by creating opportunities for young people to engage in agriculture.
Earlier in his remark, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye represented by Mr Ezekiel Abiodun said that agriculture is not about feeding people alone but shaping the future of Nigeria stresses that as stakeholders is putting effort in curbing the challenges of food security, incessant intervention will be the key to unravel the challenges.
He expressed that the ministry is ready to support needed for youth to flourish in agriculture noting that empowering young farmers with right knowledge, skill, and resources will cultivate the general growth of food security, poverty, reduction, and economic viability.
The “Renewed Hope Initiative” is a nationwide program aimed at promoting women’s involvement in agriculture and supporting young farmers.
