President Bola Tinubu has expressed his administration’s ambition to position Nigeria as a global leader in agricultural exports by 2025, a cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He disclosed this Tuesday at the Road to South-South National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda at the presidential Villa.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, also unveiled the Earn from the Soil initiative, which aims to transform subsistence farming into a robust, export-driven sector.
“This initiative is a powerful declaration that we are committed to turning our non-oil resources into collective prosperity,” Tinubu said. “By 2025, Nigeria will be a leading agricultural export nation.”
The Earn from the Soil project is designed to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, creating export opportunities and ensuring national food security.
According to Tinubu, the initiative will empower citizens to become agents of economic prosperity, transforming local farming practices into global economic drivers.
The president highlighted the untapped potential of the South-South region, known for its rich natural resources and talent, and called for more significant investment in non-oil sectors.
“The South-South is open for business just as the whole of Nigeria is ready for business,” he stated. “We are creating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
Tinubu’s administration seeks strategic support from local and international partners to build a resilient economic ecosystem, moving away from reliance on traditional aid.
Tinubu also emphasised the crucial role of young people and women in driving the initiative’s success. “Your energy, creativity, and determination will drive Nigeria’s economic revolution,” he said.
The president assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its promise of restoring hope and confidence, with the Earn from the Soil initiative marking a significant step in achieving that vision.
On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon Gift Johnbull, has spotlighted the South-South region as a critical hub of untapped economic potential, calling for strategic partnerships to unlock its vast resources and foster national growth.
Johnbull underscored the region’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in oil and gas, while emphasising its underutilised agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
“The South-South is at the heart of our nation’s development,” Johnbull said. “This region’s immense economic contributions and untapped potential position it as a critical driver of Nigeria’s transformation.”
Johnbull called on investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to see the South-South as a gateway to new opportunities, citing initiatives like the Pitching Den, launched at the event, as a platform to attract bold entrepreneurs and visionary investors.
“This is your moment to recognise the South-South as a hub of untapped potential,” she said. “Partner with us to unlock opportunities that will benefit not just this region or the nation but the entire continent and beyond.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the Impact Report, highlighting milestones achieved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The report showcased how targeted initiatives have empowered communities and driven progress in the South-South.
Johnbull urged youth and women to actively transform their communities, describing them as “key change-makers” in the region’s development journey.
“To the youth and women, your voice, innovation, and determination are crucial to shaping the future of the South-South and Nigeria at large,” she said.
“As we amplify the Renewed Hope Agenda, let us ensure every Nigerian feels the impact of our collective efforts,” Johnbull added.
