The Ogun State Government has awarded N2.5 million and land to 25 state indigenes who graduated from the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EIYA) programme, organized by Soiless Farm Lab in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This initiative aims to support their agricultural endeavors.
During the presentation and graduation ceremony in Awowo, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, highlighted that this support is intended to help the graduates apply their new knowledge to enhance the agricultural sector. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Samuel Adeogun, Hon. Owotomo emphasized that the training ensures the aging farming population can be replaced by young farmers equipped with modern skills, thus boosting the agricultural value chain.
He stressed that leveraging the potential and innovation of young Nigerian farmers and entrepreneurs will revitalize the agricultural sector, making it sustainable and technologically advanced. The state government remains committed to transforming the sector by encouraging youth participation and creating a conducive environment through various intervention programs.
Farmer Samson Ogbole, team lead of Soiless Farm Lab, explained that the initiative aims to attract young people to agriculture by providing them with modern training to excel. The participants learned skills such as greenhouse construction, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work, farm management, financial management, budgeting, and human management.
Participants like Olayinka Olaoluwa, Adebimpe Odebiyi, and Taiwo Osilesi expressed their gratitude to the state government, noting the significant benefits they received from the training. They pledged to use the land and cash gifts to enhance food security in the state.
