The Ondo State government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has concluded plans to train and empower young women in agriculture across the state.
The senior special assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr Wemimo Akinshola, disclosed this during a press briefing in Akure, the state capital, yesterday.
Akinshola noted that the government reinforced its commitment to women’s participation in agriculture by launching an empowerment initiative focused on modern farming practices.
According to the SSA, “Young female farmers across the 18 local government areas of the state recently completed a three-month intensive training on modern vegetable farming in Ogun State.
“The training was made possible through a partnership between the Ondo State Government and agricultural development organisations.
“This program was designed to equip young women with modern farming techniques that will enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture. The selected beneficiaries were trained on innovative vegetable farming methods, positioning them to contribute significantly to food production in Ondo State.”
While emphasizing that the initiative is part of the state’s broader agenda to drive food security and self-sufficiency, Akinshola noted that the initiative’s ultimate goal is to transform the state into an agribusiness hub within the next 24 months.
“The whole idea is to make young people take charge of this crucial sector. If we are serious about achieving food security, we must invest in empowering the next generation of farmers. With this program, we are setting the foundation for Ondo State to become a leading player in agribusiness,” he added.
Addressing the selection process for the next batch of trainees, Akinshola revealed that local government chairmen have been directed to compile names of interested individuals from their respective areas. He stressed that the program is strictly for youths between the ages of 18 and 35 and that a total of 100 participants will be selected for the next phase.
“For the next batch, we have approved that local government chairmen should submit names of interested candidates within their jurisdictions. The selection process will be fair and transparent, ensuring that only those who are genuinely interested in agriculture are considered. This time, we are expanding participation to 100 youths, 70 females and 30 males, to further strengthen the impact of the program,” Akinshola stated.
He assured that the Ondo State Government remains committed to youth empowerment in agriculture, adding that the program will continue to provide young farmers with the technical skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in the sector.
The Coordinator of the program, Farmer Femi Ilesanmi, stressed that the training is aimed at empowering young women and motivating them to engage actively in food production.
He further disclosed that the first batch of trainees, who completed their program on March 24, had returned to Ondo State and have been equipped with modern agricultural skills.
“Now, they are professional agronomists, ready to apply what they have learned to improve food production and sustainability in Ondo State,” Ilesanmi added.
One of the beneficiaries, Ebhodaghe Blessing, described the initiative as a life-changing opportunity.
“This training has been an eye-opener for me. I have learned modern farming techniques, better ways to increase productivity, and business strategies that will help me sustain an agricultural venture. I never imagined I would gain this much knowledge in such a short time, and I am grateful to the Ondo State Government for this opportunity,” she said.
