We must make agric attractive, innovative for young people – Sanwo-olu

Lagos State First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, emphasized the importance of making agriculture attractive, innovative, and sustainable for the youth, calling on all government levels to take action. This statement was made during the Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition and the induction of students into the Young Farmers Club under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which reflects the commitment of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to fostering empowerment across various sectors, including agriculture. Sanwo-Olu noted that by engaging young people through initiatives like the Young Farmers Club, the nation is laying the foundation for future economic prosperity through agriculture.
She highlighted that agriculture has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, but modernization and urbanization present new challenges. To address these, she emphasized the need for modern farming techniques, mechanization, and sustainable practices. This initiative, she noted, equips young Nigerians with the skills to tackle issues like food insecurity, climate change, and unemployment through agricultural innovation. Sanwo-Olu also praised the students for their dedication and the stakeholders for their support in driving this transformative project.
Source: BusinessDay

Expert Review:
The induction of students into the Young Farmers Club represents a pivotal step in reinvigorating Nigeria’s agricultural sector by targeting the youth. The initiative aligns with the broader agenda of economic diversification and modernization of agriculture, addressing both the aging farming population and the dwindling interest in agriculture among young Nigerians. By introducing modern farming techniques, mechanization, and sustainability, these young farmers can help revolutionize the sector.
For stakeholders in agribusiness, the critical takeaway is the importance of sustained investments in youth-centric agricultural programs. Empowering the next generation of farmers ensures that the sector not only thrives but evolves to meet the challenges posed by urbanization, climate change, and food insecurity. This initiative can serve as a model for other states, encouraging the development of more localized programs that create pathways for youth in agriculture.
The initiative’s success also suggests opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPP) to create agro-education platforms and incubators for young farmers, which could further drive innovation in the sector. For agribusinesses, investing in these young talents could mean access to a highly skilled future workforce equipped with modern farming techniques and sustainable practices. As we move toward climate-smart agriculture, such initiatives will ensure a resilient agricultural system for Nigeria’s future.