In an effort to inspire young students to embrace farming, Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, inducted over 700 pupils from primary and secondary schools across the state into the Young Farmers Club.
This initiative, which aligns with the vision of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, seeks to promote modern farming techniques among youths while contributing to national food security and economic diversification.
During the induction ceremony, held in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems to mark World Food Day in Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the vital role agriculture has played in Nigeria’s economy for decades, describing it as “the backbone of sustenance.”
She applauded Senator Tinubu for her unwavering commitment to improving the livelihoods of Nigerian families through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which supports sectors such as fashion, empowerment, and agriculture.
“The Young Farmers Club is a powerful tool to engage our children in agriculture,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu remarked. “Through this initiative, the First Lady of Nigeria is not only planting seeds in the soil but also seeds of hope, resilience, and economic prosperity for the future.”
Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of making agriculture attractive to younger generations, positioning the Young Farmers Club as a key driver in revitalizing the farming culture in schools.
“This program helps students see farming as not just a profession but a catalyst for economic diversification and national growth,” she added.
She also referenced the ongoing “Every Home A Garden” competition, another initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady that promotes home gardening, with a grand prize of ₦20 million to be awarded in December. She expressed confidence that the winner would come from Lagos State.
At the event, Lagos State’s Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, encouraged civil servants to take up farming, noting that it is a profession they can pursue alongside their public service roles.
He advised unemployed individuals to consider farming as a means of income and for those already employed to use it as a supplementary income source.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, urged the students to see the agricultural sector as full of opportunities, one that could secure their future and make meaningful contributions to society.
She congratulated the new members of the Young Farmers Club and encouraged them to pursue agriculture as a potential career path.
Representing the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 2, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, acknowledged the longstanding presence of the Young Farmers Club in Lagos schools.
He noted that the renewed effort to expand the programme would further engage students and build their interest in farming.
Alli-Balogun also credited the Lagos State Government’s significant investments in education for the numerous awards and recognitions received in national competitions, highlighting Lagos as the only state in Nigeria to have agriculture teachers in all its primary and secondary schools.
He further praised Dr. Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to promoting agriculture, despite her medical background, and noted her encouragement of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to actively support agricultural initiatives.
