Another batch of 1,000 youths have graduated from the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EIYA) programme in Ogun State, with a pledge from the state government to make provision for land, seed, money, continuous capacity building, as well as promote a link with financial institutions, to make additional funds more accessible to farmers.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, who gave the charge during the graduation ceremony at Awowo, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, disclosed that 63 of the 1,000 participants, who were indigenes of the state, would be assisted and supported by the state government to practicalise what they have learnt to make a living.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, Hon. Owotomo emphasised that knowledge gained by participants should be exploited for economic practices, adding that putting what they have learnt into practice would translate to a brighter future for the young farmers.

He charged the participants to globally make an impact in agriculture and cascade skills acquired to other young farmers, in order to boost food production and improve their livelihood. 

"Putting what you have learnt into practice effectively will translate to a brighter future for the state, Nigeria and West-Africa, especially in the area of food production", he said.

In her remarks, Head of Corporate Communications, EIYA and Soiless Farm Lab, Mrs. Grace Enoidem, explained that the 1,000 youths from all over the country, were trained on strategic ways of modern farming, explaining that the focus of EIYA was to empower youths to be self-employed through various farming skills, to ensure food security across the country.

Enoidem pointed out that replicating what they have learnt would go a long way in addressing and eradicating food shortage.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, Aliyu Salihu, and Jefter Titus, described the training as a life changing experience, promising to share their experience and sustain the legacy.