Oyo govt urges youths, students to embrace modern agricultural practices
In line with the 2025 World Food Day theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” the Oyo State Government has reiterated the critical role of youth and students in driving the future of agriculture through innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at a Symposium for Agricultural Students and Youths held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, emphasized that modern agriculture has evolved beyond the traditional hoe-and-cutlass model into a professional, technology-enabled enterprise capable of delivering productivity and sustainability.
“Agriculture today is fundamentally different from what it used to be decades ago,” Olaleye said. “Until our youths and students have a change of mindset towards agriculture, there can be no meaningful progress.”
He highlighted persistent challenges such as climate change, food inflation, unemployment, and post-harvest losses, noting that the engagement of young people in agriculture is essential to solving these problems and ensuring food security in Oyo State.
Encouraging participants to treat farming as a viable business venture, Olaleye described them as “the generation of advanced agriculture — a generation of digital agriculture where every aspect, from cultivation to processing, is technologically driven.”
In his goodwill message, Dr. Debo Akande, Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), represented by the Permanent Secretary, Kola Badmus, commended the Ministry for organizing the event. He reaffirmed OYSADA’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for agribusiness growth, particularly for young entrepreneurs.
Also speaking, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the symposium was designed to expose young people to the “limitless opportunities in agriculture,” particularly in agritech, sustainability, and value-chain innovation.
She added that agriculture should no longer be seen as a last resort but as “a dynamic career path that connects science, innovation, and food systems.”
The symposium featured lectures and interactive sessions where students and experts exchanged ideas on modern farming practices, innovation, and agribusiness development.
Source: Business Day
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The Oyo State World Food Day Symposium underscores the growing recognition that the future of Nigeria’s food system depends on the next generation’s capacity to innovate, digitize, and commercialize agriculture.
- Youth as the Engine of Agricultural Transformation
Oyo State’s engagement of students and young adults reflects a strategic shift toward youth-led food system renewal. By focusing on mindset reorientation, the state is addressing one of agriculture’s most persistent bottlenecks — the perception gap that keeps youth away from the sector. - Transition from Traditional to Tech-Enabled Agriculture
The emphasis on agritech, mechanization, and data-driven farming represents the new face of agriculture in Nigeria. With initiatives driven by OYSADA, the state is positioning itself as a model for agri-innovation and youth inclusion in Southwest Nigeria. - Building an Agribusiness-Oriented Workforce
Encouraging students to view farming as a business aligns with modern agribusiness principles. This orientation can unlock entrepreneurship, improve access to finance, and increase private-sector participation in the state’s agricultural ecosystem. - Strengthening Institutional Synergy
The collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and OYSADA demonstrates an institutional synergy that other states can emulate. This joint approach is vital for scaling agricultural impact — from policy to implementation — across education, technology, and rural development. - Linking Food Security with Innovation and Skills
By integrating agricultural education with innovation-focused initiatives, Oyo State is creating a pipeline of skilled agripreneurs capable of addressing challenges such as food inflation, low productivity, and post-harvest losses.
Conclusion
The Oyo State Government’s renewed focus on youth-driven, tech-enabled agriculture is a timely and strategic intervention. If sustained through investment in agritech hubs, mechanization programs, and skill-building partnerships, this initiative could redefine how youth perceive and participate in the agri-food economy — ensuring a resilient, innovation-led food system for the future.
