In a bid to foster a love for farming among schoolchildren, Lagos First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has welcomed over 700 pupils from primary and secondary schools across the State into the Young Farmers Club.
This initiative aligns with the vision of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, aimed at encouraging students to adopt modern farming techniques and contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic diversification.
Speaking during the induction ceremony, which was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in commemoration of this year’s World Food Day at Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised the critical role agriculture plays in Nigeria’s economy, describing it as the backbone of sustenance for decades.
She lauded Senator Tinubu for her steadfast commitment to improving the lives of Nigerian families through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which covers sectors such as fashion, empowerment, and agriculture. She also commended the Ministry of Agriculture for its support of the initiative.
“The introduction of young learners to farming through the Young Farmers Club is an excellent way to invest in our children via agriculture,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu said. “With this initiative, the First Lady of Nigeria is not only planting seeds in the soil but also sowing seeds of hope, resilience, and economic prosperity for our nation.”
Mrs Sanwo-Olu further stressed the importance of making agriculture attractive to younger generations, describing the Young Farmers Club as a crucial step toward reviving the culture of farming in schools.
“By reigniting the culture of farming in schools, we are inspiring children to view farming not just as a profession but as a key driver of economic diversification and national development,” she added.
Referencing the ongoing “Every Home A Garden” competition, another initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady that promotes home gardening, with a grand prize of ₦20 million to be awarded in December, Dr. Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the winner would emerge from Lagos State.
In his remarks at the event, the Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Olabode Agoro, encouraged civil servants to take up farming, stating that it is the only profession they can engage in alongside their civil service jobs.
He further advised those seeking employment to explore farming as a means of earning income, while those already employed could also supplement their income through agricultural activities.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, encouraged the pupils to recognise the opportunities within the agricultural sector, stating that they could build a future in the State’s food systems while also contributing to society.
She congratulated the new inductees into the Young Farmers Club and urged them to nurture their passion for agriculture as a potential means of livelihood.
Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 2, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, acknowledged that the Young Farmers Club has long been a part of Lagos schools.
He stressed that the renewed interest in expanding the program will further engage school pupils.
Alli-Balogun attributed the numerous awards and recognitions received by the Lagos State Government in educational competitions to the present administration’s significant investments in education, noting that Lagos is the only state in Nigeria that has agriculture teachers in all its primary and secondary schools.
The Commissioner also highlighted Dr. Sanwo-Olu’s personal interest in agriculture, despite her background in medicine, and her encouragement of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to support agricultural initiatives.
