The wife of the Oyo state governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, has called for greater youth participation in agriculture to enhance food production, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.
Speaking at the Youth Agricultural Support Programme, an empowerment initiative organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Makinde lamented the declining interest of young people in the agricultural sector.
She attributed this to misconceptions about its viability despite agriculture being the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
As the RHI coordinator in Oyo State, Makinde emphasised that security and rural development depend primarily on youth engagement in farming, a field many have yet to explore.
The empowerment program featured lectures on chili pepper and yam farming, as well as the distribution of farm equipment and cash grants to beneficiaries.
Represented by the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Makinde reiterated that the RHI Youth Agricultural Support Program reflects the federal government’s commitment to securing the future of young Nigerians through agriculture.
She said: “Although this is an initiative from the federal government, it aligns perfectly with the vision of the Oyo State government to promote agricultural development, create employment opportunities, and boost economic empowerment.
“It will encourage young farmers, provide answers to questions and support Agriculture grants. Thank Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for this initiative.
“This viable effort will create opportunities and address challenges in youth employment and food security,” she added.
Some of the empowerment beneficiaries lauded the efforts of both the state and federal governments and promised to use the empowerment judiciously.
