The Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, on Thursday inaugurated the AgriConnect Initiative, designed to empower 1,000 farmers with mobile-enabled devices to enhance productivity through digital technology.

Speaking at the launch in Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the initiative, supported by Huawei and the MTN Foundation, as a strategic move to revolutionize agriculture in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

He said it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, rural development, and sustainable economic growth.

“This marks a pivotal step in our journey towards sustainable food security and agricultural transformation,” the governor said. “AgriConnect will connect our farmers to critical resources, modern technologies, and accessible markets, ultimately driving inclusive economic growth.”

The mobile devices, developed by Huawei and bundled with free data from MTN Foundation, will provide real-time information on agronomy services, weather patterns, planting schedules, and pest management, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions and report issues quickly.

Abiodun emphasised Ogun’s unique position as an agricultural hub, citing the state’s arable land and organized farmers’ associations as key strengths.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers with modern techniques, financial backing, and capacity-building programs.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, hailed the initiative as a significant milestone in modernizing agriculture.

He encouraged farmers to fully utilize the mobile devices and embrace digital innovation to enhance productivity and profitability.

“This is more than a device; it’s a gateway to opportunity,” Owotomo said. “Our farmers are not just food producers; they are digital-era entrepreneurs.”

He also noted the state’s previous collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on the Ogun Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS), a digital database for farmer registration and value chain development.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, praised the state’s commitment to agriculture and urged beneficiaries to leverage the tools for improved planning and harvests.

Representatives from Huawei and MTN Foundation, Mr. Femi Gao and Ms. Odunayo Sanya, reaffirmed their support for the program and encouraged farmers to use technology as a driver for agricultural transformation.

The event featured the formal presentation of the mobile devices, signaling a new era of tech-enabled agriculture in Ogun State.