By Chinyere Anyanwu
Engaging youths in economic growth and development through agriculture and nutrition security is critical to tackling poverty and creating employment opportunities, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo stated this at a recent stakeholders’ engagement.
The programme with the theme, “Unlocking Opportunities for Youth in the State”, held under the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EYIA) organised by Soiless Farm Lab, in Awowo, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.
Owotomo said engagement of youths in agriculture was essential to enable them contribute meaningfully to the sector, thereby improving food production. He stated that government was planning to facilitate grants and loans for youths desiring to go into agriculture business in the state.
“I will encourage our youths to look at ways of adding value to whatever it is they produce. If you are a fish farmer, do not just harvest your fish and sell; find a way to add some value to it before you take it to the market. That way, you will earn more money and be able to expand your capacity and improve your livelihood,” he said.
Owotomo maintained that the present administration was pragmatic in linking technology to agriculture through Ogun State Farmers Information Management (OGFIMS), a platform designed for registration of farmers in the state, pointing out that registered farmers were linked with off-takers across the state.
The commissioner affirmed that land was an important asset every agro-entrepreneur should acquire, promising that government was ready to support youths in accessing adequate land for practicing agriculture in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Nigeria, Mr. Afioluwa Mogaji, noted that the role of youths in agriculture and food supply chain was vital due to growth in global population and food, emphasising the need for youths to have the right psyche to be able to access the opportunities that abound in agriculture.
Speaking, the Executive Manager, Innovative Youth in Agriculture, Ms Aline Mugisho, represented by Mr. Tokunbo Adeoye, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for agriculture in the state, calling on stakeholders to focus on making agriculture more attractive and rewarding to the young generation by leveraging technology and adopting youth-friendly policies.