…as RHI empowers youths in Oyo
The wife of Oyo state governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has called for greater youth participation in agriculture to enhance food production, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.
Speaking in Ibadan at the Youth Agricultural Support Program, an empowerment initiative organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Mrs. Makinde lamented the declining interest of young people in the agricultural sector.
She attributed this to misconceptions about its viability, despite agriculture being the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
As the RHI Coordinator in Oyo State, Mrs. Makinde emphasized that security and rural development depend largely on youth engagement in farming, a field many have yet to explore.
The empowerment program featured lectures on chili pepper and yam farming, as well as the distribution of farm equipment and cash grants to beneficiaries.
Represented by the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, Mrs. Makinde reiterated that the RHI Youth Agricultural Support Program reflects the federal government’s commitment to securing the future of young Nigerians through agriculture.
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She said: “Although this is an initiative from the Federal Government, but its aligns perfectly with the vision of the Oyo State government towards promoting agricultural development, create employment opportunities and boost economic empowerment.
“It will encourage young farmers, provide answers to questions and support Agriculture grant. I want to express my gratitude to her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the federal ministry of Agriculture and food security for this initiative.
“This viable effort will create opportunities and address challenges in youth employment and food security.
She however urged beneficiaries of the empowerment to remember that Agriculture is no longer a tradition of the past, but now encompasses technology driven solution such as precision planning, Agrictech, innovation and value chain development which are platforms for wealth creation.
“With the right mindset and education, you can become the next generation of Agricultural leaders starting from today. Let us cultivate hope, sow the seeds of progress and reap a harvest of prosperity together.”
Some of the beneficiaries of the empowerment lauded effort of both the state and federal government, promising to use the empowerment judiciously.