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First Lady seeks youth participation in agric for self- sufficiency, food security

By Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan 
14 February 2025   |   3:53 am
The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has encouraged Nigerian youths to engage in farming for self- sufficiency and attainment of food security in the country. 
Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. Photo: AFP

The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has encouraged Nigerian youths to engage in farming for self- sufficiency and attainment of food security in the country. 

 
Tinubu gave the charge during an empowerment and sensitisation programme for youths  in Oyo State on yam and chili pepper production for food sustainability. 
The programme, under the initiative of Renewed Hope Initiative, entails training of the beneficiaries, donation of cash, farm implements and fertiliser to boost their farming activities. 

In her address, the wife of Oyo State Governor, Tamunominini Makinde, regretted that there had been a decline in youth participation in agriculture in recent times, due to misconception about its economic viability. 
 
Represented by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, the Governor’s wife noted that the programme aims to change the narrative and demonstrate the potential of agriculture as a viable career path. 
 
She posited that the initiative aligns with the vision of the state government to promote agriculture development, create employment opportunities, and economic empowerment for the youth. 

 
Makinde admonished the youth to take full advantage of the opportunity, using the knowledge and tools received to establish sustainable agriculture practices for their livelihood and for the safety of the future generation. 

She lauded the First Lady for her efforts in launching the initiative to reduce challenges of youth employment and food security by creating opportunities for young people to engage in agriculture. 

Earlier, in his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said agriculture is not about feeding people alone, but shaping the future of Nigeria, adding that as stakeholders are putting efforts in curbing the challenges of food security, incessant intervention will be the key to unravel the challenges. 
 
Olaleye, who was represented by Mr Ezekiel Abiodun, said the ministry is ready to support the needs for youths to flourish in agriculture, adding that empowering young farmers with the right knowledge, skill, and resources will cultivate the general growth of food security, poverty, reduction, and economic viability. 

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