The first 240 members of the Young Farmers Club, Nigeria, have been inaugurated in Abuja.
The induction and launch of the club, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aims to engage youth early and inculcate in them a love for agriculture and farming.
“The aim of the Young Farmers Club, Nigeria is to ‘catch them young’ by making farming more appealing to our pupils and students. We are not just teaching them how to farm; we are also nurturing a generation that will transform our agricultural landscape, imbibe modern farming techniques, and ensure that Nigeria remains self-sufficient in food production, in line with the food security drive of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” said First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
She further noted that the club, spread across various schools in Nigeria, will help foster an understanding that farming is not just an occupation but a way of life that can create employment opportunities for the growing youth population and help diversify the economy.
“Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States and one of America’s Founding Fathers, once said, ‘Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.’ Agriculture has always been the backbone of our nation. From the past, where we tilled the land with our hands and hearts, to the present, where agriculture continues to play a crucial role in our daily lives and economy.”
“The Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, is launching the Young Farmers Club, Nigeria, with some pilot schools in the Federal Capital Territory to kick-start the club nationwide. We have selected twelve (12) schools today, comprising pupils in upper primary schools and students in junior secondary schools.”
She added, “Interested schools nationwide should register with the First Ladies of their respective states. This registration will then be channeled to the Young Farmers Club desk office at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in their respective states for the necessary provisions and support. The club activities are to be further supported by the respective states once the allotted resources are expended.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, noted that this initiative will enhance the interest of young people in agriculture as a career.
He urged the newly inducted members to take pride in their choice to join the club, as they represent an important group responsible for feeding Nigerians.
The inductees, dressed in their club uniforms, were administered the pledge by the Minister and then presented with their membership cards and farming tools by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The wife of the Kwara State Governor, Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, received samples of the items on behalf of the other state governors’ wives, as the club is to be replicated in various states.
