The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has expressed confidence in the power to change the narrative of Agriculture in Nigeria advising that they should see themselves as part of a larger vision to transforming the country through innovation and hard work.
She also charged the Young Farmers Club to get prepared for a journey that will not only benefit then but the entire nation.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu stated this at the Scholars Quiz Competition and Young Farmers’ Club Induction in commemoration of this year’s World Food Day held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa , Ikeja.
She said that Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and has sustained the nation for decades by providing food, employment, and raw materials for the industry
Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu was of the view that the Renewed Hope Initiative is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu towards improving the lives of families and future generations across various sectors, including fashion, empowerment, agriculture, and more.
She explained that the idea of introducing the young learners to home farming through the Young Farmer’s Club is an excellent way of investing in our children through agriculture adding the initiative from the First Lady is not just planting seeds in the soil, but sowing seeds of hope, resilience, and economic prosperity for the new generations.
Inducting the young minds into the Young Farmers Club, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said that she was filled with optimism that the students represent the next generation of agricultural innovators who will help solve challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and unemployment by embracing agriculture as both a business and a tool for nation-building.
The Lagos First Lady who commend the Ministry of Agriculture for the various activities carried out in marking the World Food Day declared that the state under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remain committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that the youths have the right opportunities and resources to thrive in agriculture.
She expressed optimism that the star prize winner of #20m in the ongoing “Every Home A Garden” competition initiated by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu will emerge from Lagos saying they already submitted entry in the idea aimed to encourage households to adopt gardening.
In his comments, the State Head of Service, Bode Agoro renewed call on civil servants to engage in active farming since it is permitted under the civil service rule.
He also urged the students to start farming early saying that it doesn’t require so much money to start.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said that there was enough space for the Students to be part of the Agric Ecosystem in the state.
She assured them of making huge revenue from the sector while thanking the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu for endorsing the Young farmer’s Club initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Tutor General of Education District 2, Mrs. Anike Adekanye commended the state for
winning Laurels in recent competitions including Best Teacher and Student in the country.
Adekanye who represented the Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun at the event urged thanked the Governor for encouraging students in public schools joining the farmers Clubs.
In her goodwill message, a Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Omolara Folashade who shared her experience noted that to be identified as a farmer is not a shameful thing.
Outgoing Agriculture Ambassador, Klistiwedo Hunpe believe that Agricultural
sector will surely move the nation forward.
She told the gathering that she now grows most of the food her family consume urging everyone to start cultivating what they eat in order to save money and consume hygienic fresh foods.
At the end of the Quiz competition, Oriwu Grammar School, Ikorodu emerged the ovearll winner while Anthony Village Senior High School cane second and Holy Child College, Ikoyi came third and went home with valuable prices.
The grand finale of the World Food Day with the theme” Right to foods For A Better Life and Better future” will hold on October 16th at the Police College, Ikeja.
