The Enugu State Government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering youths in agriculture, harnessing their vast potentials to boost productivity in the state. This innovative approach recognizes the critical role of youths in driving agricultural development and seeks to equip them with the necessary skills, resources, and support to become active players in the sector.
The Enugu State Young Farmers Association (ENSYFA) and the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) have initiated a partnership with the State Government, Civil Societies, and Youth groups to pioneer a new era of youth-driven development in the agricultural sector. This collaborative effort aims to leverage the strengths of each partner to create a robust and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
According to the State government, agriculture has been identified as a strategic sector for youth engagement, due to its potential for economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development. This recognition is rooted in the understanding that agriculture is a vital component of the state's economy and that youths have a critical role to play in driving its growth.
The initiative recognizes the immense potential within the agricultural sector and seeks to tap into it by providing youths with the necessary skills, resources, and support to become active players in the sector. This includes training in business management, marketing, and financial management, as well as access to funding and mentorship opportunities.
Agriculture has been described as the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man, by George Washington. Enugu State's fertile land and favorable climate make it an ideal location for agricultural advancement. However, with young people migrating to urban centers in search of white-collar jobs, leaving the agricultural sector in the hands of aging farmers, there is a need to close this gap using productivity and innovation within the sector.
The collaboration between ENSYFA, NYAN, Civil Societies, Youth groups, and the Enugu State government represents a paradigm shift in how youth empowerment should be approached. By working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, alongside the Ministry of Youth and Sports, these organizations are ensuring that their initiatives are in tandem with the State's broader development goals.
Civil societies and Youth groups have played a critical role in raising awareness about opportunities in agriculture and changing the narrative around farming. Through various outreach programs, they are educating young people about the benefits of agriculture, not just as a means of subsistence but as a viable and profitable career choice.
On the new Youth Agro revolution trajectory, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Agroindustrialization, Mr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, stressed that agriculture is life and cannot be overemphasized. He implored the Federal Government to allocate 5000 hectares of land to Enugu State for agricultural purposes.
The NYAN Deputy Chief Whip, Amb. Gabriel Odi, unveiled the next big thing in agriculture - youth empowerment. He emphasized the importance of engaging young people in agriculture to drive innovation and productivity.
Amb. Mrs. Amaka Nweke reiterated the need for everyone to engage in agriculture, stating that it's not about making agriculture attractive, but showing people the necessity of farming. She advocated for catching the young people early and teaching them the importance of agriculture.
President of ENSYFA, Kenneth Eze, highlighted the purpose of the event as finding solutions rather than problems. He wished that the protests focused on addressing bad policies or government misappropriation — a pathway to tackling hunger.
Chairman of NYCN, Hon. Barth Okoh, explained that young people are the backbone of farming in Enugu State and should be encouraged to farm more. Hon. Ekene Uzodimma offered his farm for training and internship purposes, enumerating the earning potential of tractor operators.
A farmer cum agro consultant, Jennifer, suggested the provision of an exhibition farmhouse to train new farmers. Biggy from Udoka FM, Enugu, asked about land availability for young farmers, to which the Commissioner responded that a poultry farm has been allocated for young farmers to explore during their internships and earn on the process.
Comrade Obinna Okpara (CEO REFMEDIAGISTS) suggested schools' outreach, introducing agricultural practicals as top discussion subject matter, and creating available markets and industries for farm produce. Amb. Onyi Mamah concurred with the above suggestions.
Discussions at the event upheld successful agricultural models like those of Songhai farmers, spelling the initiative's focus on agro-entrepreneurship. The long-term vision is to build a robust and vibrant agricultural sector driven by youths, achieving food security, reducing poverty, and driving economic growth.
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