A popular maxim says; No Agriculture, No society!
Every nation which intends to move on a fast speed, usually exploits opportunities in Agriculture. This is because Agriculture is not just a vehicle for development, it is also a source of livelihood in every sane society, as development of the sector, enhances development of other pillars in the developmental circle.
Unfortunately and Hitherto, Agriculture in Africa used to be left majorly in the hands of the aged and uneducated rural dwellers, who have little or no knowledge about modern agricultural techniques or Mechanized Agriculture until recently, when youths began to see the need to venture into it especially coupled with the government Agricultural empowerment initiatives. Examples are the ones initiated and pursued by the youth-friendly Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR.
On the 9th July, 2020, I visited the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme office (OGADEP) in an effort to further facilitate an enabling environment for youths to venture into Agriculture, having sought the approval of the resourceful Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina.
In furtherance to this effort, I addressed Ogun State farm settlement occupants at Agro Services Department in Asero, on the need to give youths the privilege to explore their potentials in Agriculture by paving way for them to exploit the idle lands within their settlements across the State. I also implored them to accommodate youths in the state, who do not have inherited farm settlements, so as to ensure sustainable and even development in the Agriculture sector of the State's economy.
I noted that "Ogun State is blessed with 80% arable land which allows for easy growing of crops, thus standing as an advantage.”
I also pointed out that “As a matter of fact, through Agriculture, thousands of youths in Ogun State have become self sufficient with the opportunity to expand their agro businesses and ideas, using the All inclusive Agricultural scheme of the present government.”
"It is a good thing that the governor of Ogun State has made Agriculture attractive to youths in the State, using innovative and thoughtful schemes with huge profits for people who venture into it".
I also used the medium to advise the youths in Ogun State, to take advantage of the economic potentials of Agriculture because there are many opportunities yet untapped in the Agro-Allied sector.
The settlers in their response assured my team of optimum cooperation and sought for inclusion of their siblings in government initiatives. They also sought for improvement on the infrastructure of the settlements so as to aid their efficiency and smooth mobility of the farm produce.
The Director of the department, Mrs. Josephine Sodiya in her reaction highlighted the opportunities and benefits that are inherent in Agriculture, assuring that youths would be major beneficiaries of these initiatives,if they venture into it.
She concluded by promising that the agency would continue to give equal opportunities to every resident of the Gateway state, who shows interest in Agriculture.
She pleaded with the settlers to give maximum cooperation when the programs kick off fully.
Com. Olamide Lawal
State Coordinator,
APC Youth League,
Ogun State Coordinate
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