The Oyo State government has urged youths in the state to engage in agriculture, saying that it is time to leverage on its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, made this call over the weekend at the Oyo State-IITA Youth Agribusiness Park Centre, Awe, during a familiarization visit.
He said that most of the facilities provided by government to encourage agriculture are relatively under-utilised, as most young people find agriculture practice unattractive.
The commissioner added that the collaboration with IITA will enhance new innovations in the agricultural sector of the state, boost Nigeria’s economy and ensure food security.
Speaking further, Barr. Olaleye said that the project will engage and equip youths and make them self-employed farmers.
Olasunkanmi further said that the project is committed to revamping the agricultural sector in the state in collaboration with IITA.
He added that the present government in the state has put some opportunities in place to train youths on the new innovation in agriculture, saying that the old method of farming is obsolete.
The commissioner explained that modern agriculture requires trainings, promising that the government would intensify efforts in creating awareness for the general public on the need to embrace the innovative idea.
He averred that the Oyo State-IITA Youths Agribusiness Park Centre, Awe, was created to train and retrain young adults on the current innovation in agriculture.
He therefore commended the IITA for its partnership with the state government, noting that the institute brought the new innovation on agriculture nearer to the people.
Olasunkanmi said that agriculture is essential, as it plays a vital role in the development of our country.
He said, “This is the way to go if we are serious and genuine in the quest to stimulate our economy.”
The commissioner alongside the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Christianah Abioye, and the management staff equally visited the meat shop at the Bodija International Market and the ongoing construction of Silo, at Awe respectively.
