10th October, 2024
In an effort to inspire the next generation of farmers, Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, inducted over 700 students from primary and secondary schools across the state into the Young Farmers Club.
The ceremony, held in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, took place in Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday, as part of this year’s World Food Day celebrations.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at encouraging students to embrace modern farming techniques, contributing to both food security and economic diversification in the country.
During the induction, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised agriculture’s crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, describing it as the backbone of the nation’s sustenance for decades.
She praised Senator Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to improve Nigerian families’ lives through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which spans sectors like agriculture, fashion, and empowerment.
“Introducing young learners to farming through the Young Farmers Club is an excellent way to invest in our children via agriculture,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated.
“This initiative plants seeds not only in the soil but also in the hearts of our youth, fostering hope, resilience, and economic growth for Nigeria.”
She highlighted the importance of making agriculture attractive to the younger generation, noting that the revival of farming in schools would inspire students to see farming as a key driver of national development.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu also referred to the ongoing “Every Home A Garden” competition, an initiative by Senator Tinubu promoting home gardening, which offers a ₦20 million grand prize set to be awarded in December. She expressed confidence that a winner would emerge from Lagos.
Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, encouraged civil servants to take up farming alongside their jobs and urged job seekers to consider agriculture as a viable income source.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, also addressed the students, encouraging them to explore the vast opportunities within the agricultural sector and build a future within Lagos’ food systems.
She congratulated the new inductees and urged them to nurture their passion for agriculture as a potential livelihood.
Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, represented by Mrs. Anike Adekanye, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 2, noted the Young Farmers Club’s long-standing presence in Lagos schools.
He emphasised the state’s renewed efforts to expand the programme to further engage students.
Alli-Balogun also highlighted Lagos State’s recognition in educational competitions, attributing this success to the government’s significant investment in education, including agriculture teachers in all primary and secondary schools.
The Commissioner commended Dr. Sanwo-Olu for her personal interest in agriculture and her role in encouraging the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to support farming initiatives, despite her medical background.
