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Tag: agriculture

  • Fed Govt, Niger sign agreement to engage 100,000 youths in agriculture

    Fed Govt, Niger sign agreement to engage 100,000 youths in agriculture

    The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Niger State Government and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to empower 100,000 youths through a National Youth Agricultural Scheme. 

    Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande signed on behalf of the Federal Government while Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago and the Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun; and the CEO/Executive Secretary of NALDA, Mr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo signed on behalf of their state and organisations respectively. 

    During the signing ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna, Niger State capital, Olawande commended the governor for his efforts in ensuring a stable food supply in Nigeria, as well as in job creation and youth empowerment. 

    Read Also: Reps seek to establish Fed College of Agriculture in Edo

    In a statement by the Director (Information and Public Relations), Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Omolara Esan on Thursday in Abuja, the minister emphasised that the tripartite agreement will strengthen the relationship between the ministry, Niger State Government and NALDA.

    Olawande noted that the agreement is a testament to the success being achieved through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu towards ensuring food security and job creation for Nigerian youth.

    Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun explained that the partnership aims to produce half a million tons of food, with each youth earning N150,000 in the first year; with the prospect of earning millions over the next four to five years.

    On his part, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NALDA, Cornelius Adebayo, described Niger State as a leading example in agricultural development, making it an ideal location to initiate this partnership for youth development.

    Governor Bago welcomed the collaboration between NALDA and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, describing it as a landmark achievement.

    He expressed optimism that the agreement will meet its objectives, noting the potentials of Nigerian youths to excel with minimal support.

  • Top four ways to invest N1million in Nigeria in 2025

    Top four ways to invest N1million in Nigeria in 2025

    Deciding where to invest N1 million in 2025 requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. 

    As Africa’s largest economy by GDP and most populous country, Nigeria presents a diverse range of investment opportunities.

    With a rapidly growing services sector and frequently changing government policies, investment prospects can shift from promising to uncertain. 

    Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, understanding these dynamics will help you make informed decisions and reach your financial goals.

    Here are several investment opportunities in Nigeria for 2025 that show strong potential for solid returns.

    1. Equities

    Experts suggest that the best way to invest N1 million in 2025 would be in stocks from the oil and gas sector, as well as the insurance sector. These industries have shown remarkable resilience and positive returns despite challenging economic conditions. However, it’s important to remember that no investment is ever completely risk-free.

    2. Renewable Energy

    Read Also: NADF committed to transforming agriculture in Nigeria —Executive Secretary

    With frequent power grid failures across the country, Nigerians are increasingly looking for alternatives that offer a reliable power supply. Investing in renewable energy—particularly in solar panel manufacturing, installation, and maintenance—presents a viable opportunity to meet this growing demand for uninterrupted power.

    3. Financial Services

    As Nigeria’s population grows, there is a noticeable shift toward more accessible financial services, particularly in rural areas and among the less literate. The financial services sector, especially digital banking, micro-lending, and Point of Sale (POS) businesses, is a promising investment avenue for 2025. These sectors offer relatively low-risk opportunities and can be pursued with an investment of N1 million, making them attractive options for those interested in financial technology advancements.

    4. Agriculture

    Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most promising investment opportunities, attracting both local and international investors. Key areas include crop farming (such as cocoa cassava, maize, soybeans, rice, and palm oil), poultry, aquaculture, and livestock farming. The high demand for these agricultural products, both locally and internationally, makes them a solid investment, promising returns even amidst economic difficulties or changing government policies.

  • Firm partners LASG to drive innovative agriculture

    Firm partners LASG to drive innovative agriculture

    The agriculture subsector in Lagos state has received a big boost as the state government in partnership with private partners is doing everything possible to make the sector thrive.

    From Farm to Future The Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 1.0, themed ‘Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the Next Generation,’ brought together visionaries, policymakers, and agripreneurs to explore transformative solutions for agriculture and food systems in Nigeria.

    Among the key highlights was a powerful keynote address by Prince Samuel J. Samuel, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, who highlighted the critical role of innovation in shaping Nigeria’s agricultural future.

    Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, opened the summit with a call for innovative practices to reduce food waste and build resilient food systems. “We need to find innovative ways to reduce food waste, increase efficiency, and ensure that our food systems are resilient in the face of climate change and global challenges,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

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    He emphasised the importance of engaging youth in driving agricultural transformation, describing their energy and ideas as the catalysts for progress.

    Sanwo-Olu further affirmed Lagos State’s commitment to creating a sustainable agri-business ecosystem that not only meets the state’s needs but positions Lagos as a leader in food security and agricultural excellence across Africa.

    In his keynote address, Prince Samuel of Origin Tech Group delivered a compelling vision for the future of Nigeria’s food systems.

    He advocated for cluster farming to reduce waste, maximise efficiency, and enhance food security. “No place on Earth provides greater opportunities than Nigeria, especially in agriculture,” he declared, urging the youth to see agriculture as a vital path to economic empowerment.

    Prince Samuel highlighted agriculture’s interconnected nature, describing it as the foundation of all professions. “To succeed in agriculture, you must be a water engineer, economist, mechanical engineer, and more. It is the sector that connects everything,” he explained.

    Addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity and climate change, he described agriculture as a $10 billion opportunity, particularly in Lagos, a city uniquely positioned for agribusiness success due to its thriving logistics and production infrastructure.

    The summit also celebrated the achievements of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club, a state initiative fostering collaboration and innovation among young agripreneurs.

    In a testament to its commitment to supporting emerging leaders in agriculture, the Lagos State government awarded ₦100 million in grants to 25 finalists of the Lagos Agrithon program.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, spoke on the summit’s inclusivity, stating, “This space is not only for the select few; it’s for everyone, especially our youth, who are redefining the face of agriculture in Nigeria.”

    Drawing on global data from the FAO and WFP, Prince Samuel outlined agriculture’s significance on the world stage. With the global food market valued at $8 trillion and the demand for sustainable food rising, he urged stakeholders to leverage these opportunities to position Nigeria as a global food systems leader.

    In his closing remarks, Prince Samuel called on youth to embrace resilience, preparation, and mentorship as they chart their journeys in agriculture. “Each of us has a journey—a goal to pursue and challenges to overcome. The key is to remain steadfast and seize the opportunities before us,” he said.

    The Lagos Agrinnovation Summit stands as a testament to the collective resolve of Lagos State and innovative organisations like Origin Tech Group to foster a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for agriculture in Nigeria.

    Origin Tech Group is a knowledge-based and practical solution driven conglomerate across verticals which includes engineering design and construction, automotive and transportation, trade and supply chain management as well as a frontline innovator in Agri-tech and food systems that has been transforming the agriculture and livestock value chain across the West African communities over the past 25 years. It has over the last two years aligned with the various government and institutions especially with the Lagos State Government’s Agriculture Transformation Roadmap under the Five-Year Agricultural Roadmap which aims to increase food production, distribution and self-sufficiency from 18% to 40% through the partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in Lagos State.

    Through cutting-edge technology, strategic investments, and community empowerment, the company is driving sustainable development and positioning Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse.

    Recently, it also aligned with the Federal Government when it signed the national agricultural transformation initiative tagged the Greener Hope Large Scale Mechanisation Agriculture Productivity Programme (GHAPP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at a quantum leap for the Nigerian agricultural sector which is fast emerging as a critical force in addressing the nation’s food security challenges and eventually enthroning food sovereignty.

  • Why youths should embrace agriculture, by Agriprenure

    Why youths should embrace agriculture, by Agriprenure

    An Agriprenure, Ambassador Segun Alabi has called on Nigerian youths to embrace pineapple farming, for self sufficiency, instead of the ‘japa syndrome’, which he described as modern day slavery.

    Alabi also called on both the federal and state governments to provide enabling environment that will make Nigerians, especially the youths to embrace agriculture, through provision of security and social amenities that will discourage rural-urban migration.

    Alabi, who is the CEO of Davidorlah Nigeria Limited and founder of Davidorlah Farm, made the call while allocating pineapple farms to about 200 farmers, who had subscribed to it in his pineapple farms plantation, located in Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu North local government area of Ogun State.

    He noted that the allocation marks a key milestone in the company’s mission to position Nigeria, as a leading pineapple exporter in the world in the next few years.

    While describing pineapple farming as a lucrative business, Alabi noted that pineapple farms is immune to destruction by cattle, unlike other crops .

    He said , “part of our goals in Davidorlah Farm is to elevate pineapple production in the country, and transform the country into one of the leading exporters of pineapples in the next few years, but today, Nigeria is number eight in countries that plant pineapple in the world”. 

    “Our goal is to make Davidorlah the largest pineapple exporter in the world, targeting 50,000 farmers in the next five years,” he explained.

    “Pineapple cultivation has positive socio-economic implications and creates jobs for many people in rural areas, thereby contributing to reducing unemployment and poverty”. 

    Alabi said, the company has the largest pineapple farm in Africa, spanning over 1,000 hectares. 

    While explaining the value chain in pineapple, he noted that apart from using the fruit for juice, its peel can be used for bio-fuel production, creation of renewable energy, cloth production as well as shoes. 

    He emphasized the need for government support to create an enabling environment for agricultural businesses to thrive.

    “We need an environment full of peace, free from insecurity, and conducive to making agriculture a productive sector, through provision of adequate security, rehabilitation of rural roads, provision of other social amenities, like school, health facilities as well as electricity will go a long way. Government’s assistance through grants or loans to farmers would be highly appreciated,” he added.

    Alabi also called for partnerships from government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations such as World Bank to further the company’s mission. 

    He urged Nigerian youths to focus on developing their country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. “It’s the people who developed those places they are running to. If we are determined, we can make Nigeria great,” he advised.

    The allocation of these farms is a step towards realizing Davidorlah’s vision of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and positioning the country as a global leader in pineapple production and exportation.

  • Agriculture will take priority in 2025 budget – Oyebanji

    Agriculture will take priority in 2025 budget – Oyebanji

    Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji has restated his administration’s commitment to food security for residents of the state through various collaborations with investors in agribusiness and young farmers, saying his target for 2025 is to record a significant increase in production in the sector to feed the people.

    Governor Oyebanji gave this indication while inspecting the Bring Youth Back into Agriculture Project farms in Oke Ako Ekiti, Iyemero Ekiti, and Gede in the North senatorial Districts on Saturday.

    The governor, who was accompanied on the visit by some top government officials, disclosed that the state’s budget for 2025 would focus more on agriculture, to ensure food sufficiency and make Ekiti the food basket of the country.

    While noting that his government’s deliberate investment in agriculture was already yielding the desired positive results, the governor said his government in the last two years, had prioritized investment in agriculture, boosted the capacity of farmers and created a market for farm produce as part of efforts to enhance food production and tackle food insecurity.

    Governor Oyebanji also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary impetus for the state to thrive in agriculture and other sectors and promised that his administration will continue to provide economic opportunities for youths in the state and position them to be employers of labour.

    The governor added that the State has also improved on its agricultural policies and guaranteed the needed infrastructure and support to drive the State’s agriculture development plans, adding that his administration was looking at ways to scale up food production and make the state self-reliant.

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    Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said the 2025 budget, aside from focusing on agriculture and food security, would prioritize the welfare of citizens, saying his administration in the last two years had done a lot in infrastructure, stressing that he would de-risk the agricultural value chain by scaling up security, provide electricity and rehabilitate roads to farms.

    “I’m superbly excited about the outcome of the agriculture strategy, a few months ago, we flagged off this programme, ‘bring back our youths into agriculture’ and I believe strongly that the only way to prosperity is productivity and bring our youths back to work, the government has to provide the platforms for them.

    “We partnered with our people and  YSJ, a private sector agric company to work out a strategy of bringing back our youths to agric where the government cleared land for them free of charge, subsidized inputs by fifty percent. I am just going around today to see the outcome of this effort and I am happy that it has turned round this way.

    “What this has taught me is the fact that Ekiti youths are not lazy, Ekiti youths are productive, they can work and what they need is just the platform. I have always been saying it that Ekiti can rival any state in the federation, but as a government, we need to provide a platform for people to exhibit their potential and this is what we have done.

    “Next year’s budget is going to focus on welfare and agriculture, we have done a lot with infrastructure, education and health, the time has come for us to feed our people and my target for next year is to grow enough food to feed Ekiti people.”

    At Oke Ako Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji, while applauding the youths for their dexterity and commitment to the success of the project, assured the people that his government had already concluded plans to commence rehabilitation of the road from Ayedun to Oke Ako with a pledge to also provide electricity to the town within a short time.

    At the palace of the Regent of Oke Ako, the Governor assured that those whose farms were acquired and enumeration completed would receive their compensation within two weeks. He pleaded with them to maintain decorum with the investors and the youths carrying out farming in the area. He assured that no member of the community has collected any money from the government on their behalf.

    He also hailed the people of Iyemero Ekiti and Gede, for their support for the projects, adding that road infrastructure would be prioritized in the area to enhance movement of produce.  

    “Despite the shortage of rain this year, you are not discouraged, we are looking at a process whereby we provide irrigation and as well provide each of you with a pair of raincoats and boots. We will also provide a vehicle to each of the groups to allow for easy mobility and make the farms accessible at all times.

    “Please note that the support I am giving you was provided by President Bola Tinubu, the state government doesn’t have that kind of resources. I went to him and I told him I wanted to get involved in agriculture. He gave us that support and I promised myself that when we get those resources, we will invest them in agriculture, so, from those resources, we should be able to get a bus for each group. The Governor stated.

    The youths at the various farm sites had earlier reeled out the demands from the government including the provision of buses to give them easy access to their farms, free inputs, agriculture loans, accommodation to the farmsteads as well as rehabilitation of roads to the farms among others.

  • Empowering youth to engage global agriculture

    Empowering youth to engage global agriculture

    • By Ijoho Msonter Samuel

    Sir: Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential is a well-documented fact, but the underutilization of this sector continues to stifle growth. With over 70% of the population involved in agriculture, the sector could be a major driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation. Yet, the country faces challenges such as insecurity, outdated practices, and a lack of access to critical resources, which hinder progress. Nigerian youth, particularly entrepreneurs, are emerging as key players in redefining agriculture through technology, agritecture, and agristructure. These concepts are not only revitalizing the agricultural sector but also positioning Nigeria as a competitive force on the global stage.

    Nigeria’s agricultural sector faces daunting challenges, from persistent insecurity in rural areas to infrastructural deficits and market access issues. However, these challenges are increasingly serving as catalysts for innovation, particularly among young entrepreneurs. Nigeria’s youth are finding ways to adapt, survive, and thrive despite the odds, leveraging technology and creative solutions to overcome obstacles.

    While insecurity poses a real threat to farming activities, it has also driven the need for innovative solutions that minimize risk. For example, digital platforms, mobile banking, and e-commerce solutions are helping entrepreneurs connect with buyers and suppliers without the need for physical presence. By integrating technology into every aspect of their operations, young Nigerian farmers are reducing their exposure to danger while maintaining productivity.

    Agritecture is more than just an innovative design principle; it is a holistic approach to farming that incorporates sustainable practices, technology, and architectural design to maximize productivity. Nigerian entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this trend, adopting methods that allow them to produce high-quality agricultural products despite the constraints they face.

    For example, vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics are becoming popular among urban farmers. These practices not only optimize space but also ensure year-round production in controlled environments, free from the disruptions of unpredictable weather patterns or conflicts. Agritecture also contributes to environmental sustainability, a growing concern in the global market. By using less water, energy, and space, these modern farming methods reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture while boosting output.

    Agristructure takes the principles of smart farming to the next level by focusing on process optimization and operational efficiency. It involves the strategic design of farming activities, the adoption of digital tools for better farm management, and the streamlining of administrative processes. For Nigerian youth, agristructure represents a way to modernize traditional farming practices and make them scalable and competitive on the global stage.

    Read Also: Senate postpones public hearing on alleged economic sabotage in oil sector

    Drones, satellite imagery, and precision farming technologies enable farmers to monitor and manage their farms remotely. Data analytics and AI-powered tools help farmers make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and resource allocation. These innovations reduce waste, enhance productivity, and ensure that Nigerian agricultural products meet the rigorous standards of international markets.

    As global demand for sustainable and climate-smart agriculture continues to grow, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to position itself as a key player. With the world’s population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, there is an urgent need for countries like Nigeria to ramp up food production. However, this production must be aligned with global standards for sustainability and environmental stewardship.

    To fully unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential, young entrepreneurs must focus on building partnerships and collaborations with global stakeholders. By connecting with international organizations, investors, and development agencies, Nigerian youth can gain access to the resources, knowledge, and networks needed to scale their businesses.

    Partnerships with global tech companies can also facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Collaborating with research institutions can help Nigerian entrepreneurs stay at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that they are not only adapting to current trends but also setting new ones.

    While Nigerian youth are making strides in transforming the agricultural sector, they cannot do it alone. There is a need for a supportive environment that fosters innovation, encourages investment, and provides the necessary infrastructure. Government policies should focus on reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that hinder access to financing and resources. Capacity-building programs should be expanded to equip young entrepreneurs with the technical skills they need to succeed.

    Insecurity remains a critical issue that must be addressed. While technology offers ways to mitigate its effects, a long-term solution will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil society. Only by addressing these challenges head-on can Nigeria create an environment where young entrepreneurs can truly thrive.

    •Dr. Ijoho Msonter Samuel,

     <ijohomsonter@gmail.com>

  • Lagos signs MoU with Chinese firm on rice value chain, agriculture

    Lagos signs MoU with Chinese firm on rice value chain, agriculture

    The Lagos State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese food processing company, Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited, to increase productivity in the rice value chain and enhance food security.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is in China for the ongoing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), witnessed the signing of the agreement on Wednesday.

    Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture (Rice Mill Initiative), Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, signed the MoU for the Lagos State government while Group Director, Rice Industry Division, Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited, Mr. Wang Wei, signed for the rice firm.

    The signing was also witnessed by the Group Head of Rice, Wilmar Group, Mr. Prashant Trikha.

    According to the Governor, the collaboration will enhance rice production and agricultural productivity in Lagos State, in line with his administration’s quest for food security and agricultural revolution.

    Read Also: Declare emergency on agriculture, bishop’s wife urges govt

    He said: “We realise that we have the capacity to feed ourselves as a people, if we put the right investment in agriculture. That is why our administration has prioritised agricultural value chains. Our rice initiative with the Imota Rice Mill is projected to provide 1,500 direct jobs and over 250,000 indirect jobs. The rice mill alone has a capacity to produce 2.8 million bags of 50 kg bags of rice yearly.

    “The government is committed to enhancing agricultural productivity and has been actively engaged in the promotion of rice cultivation to meet the high demand for rice consumption in the state, further to which it has established a 32-metric-tonne per hour capacity rice mill in the Imota area.”

    Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited is one of the largest food processing companies in the People’s Republic of China, which operates an integrated rice business covering the rice value chain, from cultivation to processing and distribution of milled rice.

  • Declare emergency on agriculture, bishop’s wife urges govt

    Declare emergency on agriculture, bishop’s wife urges govt

    Wife of the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Dr. Lydia Olukemi Odedeji has called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency in the Agricultural sector.

    This call was contained in her welcome address to the Women of the Diocese at this year’s Women Conference of the Diocese of Lagos West at the Caroline Adefiola Women Center in Ipaja, Lagos State

    It was to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Diocesan Women’s Organisation.

     Mrs. Odedeji lent her voice to the voices of many well-meaning Nigerians and Organisation following the daily skyrocketing of prices of food items in the country.

    She advised that since the  Governors have failed to find lasting solutions to this major predicament, then the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency profer a people-centered short term solution that will stop hunger in the land.

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     She said: ”The alarming rate at which costs of food items are daily sky- rocketing calls for urgent intervention by the Federal Government. We, for this reason, lend our voice to the voices of many people and organizations that have called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency in the Agricultural sector,  notwithstanding the recent directives and deadline issued by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Governors on food security. We believe that a people-centered short-term solution that will mitigate the widespread hunger in the land is highly essential and should be accorded a premium priority” Mrs. Odedeji added. She went on:”We still have to appreciate the small wins of the government’s policies and efforts at stemming the worrisome inflationary trend; While acknowledging these little gains, we consider it pertinent to encourage those who bear responsibilities for our Nation’s financial and monetary policies and regulations not to rest on their oars”.

  • How to boost agriculture education, by don

    How to boost agriculture education, by don

    • By Temitope Adejuwon

    The Board of Vocational and Technical Education in each state of the federation should collaborate with other agencies of government to evaluate gall the pre-vocational and vocational subjects in schools, a lecturer at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof. Religious Oyebode Famiwole has said.

    He urged  government to make Agricultural Science a compulsory for all students in junior classes and science students in all public and private secondary schools.

    According to him, this would address the problems  facing practical Agricultural Education,  a pre-vocational and vocational subject.

    The don  delivered the 85th inaugural lecture at the Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti. The lecture  was entitled:  “Dynamics of Agricultural Science And Agricultural Education Pedagogies: The Missing Link Leverage.

    Famiwole noted that only trained and professional teachers should be allowed by the government to teach the subject in all secondary schools.

    According to him, most of the agricultural practices in the country especially in the rural areas are carried out by old farmers.

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    “The old farmers are now getting older and dying off. There have never been enough youths in Agriculture who are willing or skilled to go into production agriculture or agri- preneurship, to replace those who are leaving the world of agriculture.

    “Activities of teachers and students on the school farm should be evaluated periodically by the school authorities and other relevant government agencies.

    “The PTA, philanthropists and successful agro-based businessmen should fund school farm development through donations of farm resources or funds.

    “The Board of Vocational and Technical Education in each state of the federation should in collaboration with other agencies of government be responsible for evaluating all the pre-vocational and vocational subjects in secondary schools in Nigeria,” he said.

  • ‘More women, youth needed in agriculture’

    ‘More women, youth needed in agriculture’

    Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have called for more involvement of women and youth in agriculture for the country to be self-sufficient in food production.

    Speaking at a one-day seminar on Women for Food Security, in Abuja, with the theme: ‘Sustainability and Development in Empowering Women for Food Security’,   Chief Executive Officer of Mela Chiyoma Pat Limited, Patricia Stan-Dioka, said with women and youth in agriculture, a lot would be achieved in the sector.

    She noted that without the involvement of women and youths, Nigeria would continue to suffer a food crisis.

    While noting that women are piloting agriculture in other countries such as India, she expressed optimism that Nigerian women will also contribute greatly to the growth of the sector.

    Speaking on where she got the inspiration to organise the programme, she said; “my inspiration stemmed from the fact that women work tirelessly without getting much. I also noticed that with women we can do so many things. That is what gave me the inspiration.

    “With women, we can achieve a lot in our country. And when I look at how the women are piloting it in India, I say if these people can do it in India, we can do it here. I have stayed in India and I know their terrain.

    “Again, I am an agriculturist. I read agricultural engineering and food security. We need to sit up because I know what it takes to boost food production.”

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    “The aim is to eradicate poverty from our country. If you look at our country, you do not need a soothsayer to tell you that there is hunger in the land.

    “Our aim is to use what we have to get what we want, which is using agriculture to boost our economy, so that we will have a very good and healthy environment. That is why I am so eager to make sure that we reclaim our mandate of becoming the giant of Africa.”

    The Executive Director of Captain Agri Machinery EXIM LLP, Sunish Shah, who emphasised the role women and youth play in agriculture, also noted the importance of mechanised agriculture for high productivity.

     Also, the Executive Chairman, Business Visas and Training Limited,  Muhammad Sani Garba, said Nigeria can borrow from India’s mechanisation method to excel in agriculture.