Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has said innovation in agriculture is key to human survival and development.
Obasanjo, who disclosed this at the AgriConnect Summit in Lagos recently, said when strategically harnessed, innovation and collaboration can tackle challenges confronting Nigerian agriculture.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Bridging the Divide: Cultivating Collaboration and Innovation for a Sustainable Agricultural Future,” Obasanjo, who was the chairman of the event, said: “Innovation is very important. Land is important. But, without money your land is useless. You cannot do agric business without money and innovation.’’
Commending research institutes in Africa and across the world, Obasanjo also canvassed mentorship for young farmers. Obasanjo recalled at the event attended by Minister Of Communication, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and agric experts how he convinced one of his sons to embrace farming despite having a PhD from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
According to the organisers of the AgriConnect Summit, put together in collaboration with Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, the initiative aims to foster a more unified approach to agricultural development.
“At the AgriConnect Summit 2024, we are resolutely dedicated to dismantling barriers and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. By convening leaders from technology, finance, government, developmental organisations, and agriculture, we aspire to co-create actionable strategies to surmount the obstacles faced by farmers and fortify food security in Nigeria,” said one of the organisers, Dr Toyosi Obasanjo.
Speaking in a similar vein, another member of the organising team, Temire Egbe Bob, described the event as an opportunity to inspire the youth, adding that collaboration is key.
Managing director, Prime Agro Seeds Limited, Meka Nwabuko, who was one of the panellists who discussed the role of technology in transforming agriculture reiterated the need for collaboration. Emphasising cluster farming and cooperatives, Nwabuko said: “Smallholder farmers are at the heart of food cultivation and production and remain the dominant producers across the country.’’
