Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has advised youths in the state to take agriculture as a serious business in order to bolster food production and reduce unemployment.
The governor gave the advice while speaking at an interactive session with members of All Sunshine Youth Agricultural Employment Association, held at the Governor’s office in Akure on Wednesday.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor encouraged the youths to see agriculture as a money-spinning business that is sustainable.
He said, “I must commend you for putting yourselves together into an association to pursue agriculture as a business. Our government has taken-off well in this area and I am sure you will continue to benefit from the many programs we have and the ones we are about to roll out.
“The starting point is to use you to encourage and re-orientate our youths on the need to take agriculture serious and make a living out of it”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the state commissioner for agriculture, Olayato Aribo, thanked the governor for being responsive and supporting farmers in the state, urging the youths to take advantage of government’s programs in agriculture and other sectors.
Answering questions from participants, the Permanent Secretary in the state ministry of Agriculture, Foluke Daramola, asked the youths to remain focused as they continue to engage in agribusiness. She revealed that the state is currently collating data of farmers in the state for adequate planning and programming.
On his part, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on youth empowerment and job creation, Gbayisemore Benedict, harped on knowledge transfer and capacity building for players in the agricultural value chain.
Femi Eniola, chairman of All Sunshine Youth Agricultural Employment Association, appreciated the government for taking proactive steps in curbing food insecurity. He further appealed to the government to design more programs that will benefit their association.
The interactive session, which lasted for hours, was chaired by the chairman, Ondo state agriculture and food security committee, Rotimi Akinsola.