The Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has announced plans to train young people in cassava farming, aiming to empower them while promoting food security and self-employment.
The program will kick off with a first phase involving 200 youths who will receive training, land, and ongoing support to help them become independent farmers.
Dr. Bisi Kolapo, Chairperson of the Youth Development Centre, shared this information during the 2024 International Youth Day celebration at the OOPL Amphitheatre in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The event, themed “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” also featured the Obasanjo Centre’s program titled “Agbeloba: Exploring Cultural Ways to Transform Food Systems in Nigeria.”
The gathering included a variety of activities such as speeches on youth development, stage performances, cultural dances, interactive sessions, and musical presentations; all of which highlighted the importance of agriculture as a practical avenue for youth employment and a key to ensuring food security.
Dr. Kolapo urged the youths to take inspiration from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, encouraging them to stay focused and positive in their endeavors. She advised them to persevere, regardless of challenges, and to strive to make an impact in their communities.
In addition, the youths were encouraged to adopt healthy habits that support environmental sustainability and combat the effects of climate change, which have adverse impacts on agricultural production.
They were also advised to avoid anti-social behaviors such as internet fraud, drug abuse, and other vices, and instead focus on using their energy in productive ways that contribute to enhancing food production.
Kolapo remarked: “The life of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was born in the village of Ibogun over 85 years ago, should serve as an inspiration for you to achieve greatness in life.
“Despite Baba Obasanjo’s early challenges, he has become a renowned farmer, a global leader, an entrepreneur, and a father to many around the world. You too can progress to greater heights, as this year’s International Youth Day theme implies.
“You must actively participate in the fight against hunger in the country by embracing agriculture. Now is the time for our youths to channel their productive energy to overcome the challenge of food crisis in Nigeria.”
In her address, the Programme Manager of the Youth Development Centre at OOPL, Omolara Kehinde, highlighted the pressing issue of food insecurity in Nigeria, attributing it largely to the declining interest in farming, especially among the youth.
Kehinde encouraged young people to utilize digital platforms to improve food production, aligning with the theme of the 2024 International Youth Day, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
She urged the youth to disregard the perception of agriculture as a dirty job and to consider even small-scale initiatives like backyard farming, which can complement the efforts of larger-scale farmers and contribute to the overall food supply.
Kehinde further stressed the need to align agricultural practices with local consumption needs, noting that such an approach is vital for enhancing food security in Nigeria. She explained that focusing on “farming what we can eat,” can help the country to better utilize its agricultural productivity, reduce dependency on imported food, support local economies, and promote healthier eating habits.
“Let us support digital inclusion and agricultural innovation to empower youth as leaders in creating sustainable food systems.
“Together, we can turn digital clicks into meaningful progress and build a future where every Nigerian enjoys food security and nutrition,” she added.
One of the guest speakers, Mrs. Temilade Kilaso, a climate change educator, called on the youth to adopt environmentally friendly practices to help preserve the planet and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Speaking on the topic “Embracing Modifiable Behavior for a Sustainable Earth,” Kilaso streesed the need to practice proper waste management and urged the youth to lead the fight against the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, which hinders the creation of a sustainable environment.
Kilaso stated, “Our health depends on the health of our environment. Imagine a flooded environment because of blocked drainage and water ways. Imagine a dirty a environment because of indiscriminate refuse disposal. So, if we act negatively to our environment, it will respond back in the same way.”
In her lecture, Adekemi Adeoye encouraged the youth to embrace global green skills, ranging from sustainable farming practices to the use of renewable energy, all of which contribute to achieving food security and combating climate change.
“By investing in green skills, fostering intrapreneurship, and supporting entrepreneurship, we can create a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria that ensures food security for all.
“The actions we take today will determine the future of our economy, the well-being of our citizens, and the health of our environment,” she said.
