Agriculture experts in Nigeria are calling for a substantial increase in youth participation in the sector, emphasizing the vital role of technology in transforming food systems and driving economic growth. This call to action was made during an event organized by the Lions Club International District 404B2, in collaboration with the Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club, in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Steve Okeleji, CEO of Aquatic Hub Afrique Network, stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to harness its vast agricultural potential by adopting modern technologies. He highlighted the country’s ability to achieve food sufficiency, noting, “Nigeria has more than enough capacity to feed itself. With approximately three to four million hectares of arable land, we can achieve food sufficiency if we invest in the right agricultural practices and technologies.”
Okeleji praised the federal government’s recent decision to remove subsidies, describing it as a critical move towards revitalizing the agricultural sector. He asserted that with proper investments in technology, Nigeria could significantly reduce its dependence on food imports, leveraging its abundant natural resources.
Mr. Femi Adekoya, Managing Director and Founder of Integrated Precision, further elaborated on the transformative potential of precision agriculture technologies. He explained, “Precision agriculture, including drone technology, is revolutionizing farming by eliminating guesswork, providing essential data on soil and crop health, and enabling farmers to optimize their resources.” Adekoya emphasized the importance of commercializing agriculture to ensure profitability for smallholder farmers, adding that technology could help scale production, reduce costs, and ultimately achieve food security in Nigeria.
Mrs. Tolulope Sobanjo, District Governor for District 404B2 Nigeria, echoed the sentiment, underscoring the need to engage young people in agriculture by making the sector more appealing through technological advancements. “The traditional methods of farming are no longer sustainable. We need to transform the food system, and technology is key to making agriculture exciting and accessible for the youth,” she said.
Participants at the event urged both the government and the private sector to invest in agricultural technologies and create opportunities for young Nigerians to lead the transformation of the country’s food systems. The experts believe that by making agriculture more appealing and profitable through technology, the sector can attract the younger generation, ensuring its sustainability and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
