The Lagos state Ministry of youths and social development on thursday, celebrated the international youth day with a call on youths to key into the vision of transforming food sysytem being initated by the the ministry of agriculture together with the ministry of youths and socail development.
Every year, the theme of the International Day is decided by the United Nations that is relevant to all the global communities and citizens. This year’s theme of the International Youth Day highlights the crucial need for inclusive support mechanisms that ensure that the youths all over the world continue to amplify their efforts collectively and individually to restore the Earth and protect life while also integrating the biodiversity in the transformation of food systems.
Speaking at the opening session of the event at the Marque Hall, LTV 8, Agindingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, the state commissioner for Youth and social development, Mr. Olusegun Dawodu said that the ministry is using the celebration to unravel the innovation, empowerment and skill talent in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Olusegun Dawodu, noted that the governor Babajide Sanwo-olu led administration is committed to empowering yoths by colloborating with stakeholders in the agricultural sector in addressing issues related to land accessibility, financial services and use of trechnologies to develop knowledge, skills for youth to fight food security and nutrition.
In his words
“Agriculture remains the dominant source of youth employment. The traditional mode of farming is seen by our youths to be associated with hard physical work, low wages and uncertainty, but youths are essential in the transformational change in the agricultural sector.
“The Lagos state government under the leadership of Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will continue to come up with programmes that will benefit youths in the agricultural sector. We’ll also work with stakeholders in facilitating youth accessibility to land and new technology to develop skills in transforming the agricultural sector.”
The chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos state chapter) Mr. Oba in his goodwill message address, urges the government to indulge the youths in its plans and programmes (MDAS) and engage them in an heart-to-heart conversation.
He, however urged the youths also to embrace agriculture, as it is the future and way forward in the nation development.
While delivering a lecture, the commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya said that agricultural activities have been stereotyped to be a dirty, non-lucrative and illiterate activity in this part of the world, forgetting that “we must eat”
“Somebody must produce that food that will sustain you for the next 24hours. If you fail to get involved today, then you leave your future and the future of the generations after you in hunger. We must realize the need to begin to take action as quickly as possible.
“With Agriculture, you control the economy, leadership, people, and relationships with other countries. When you have what other people demand, you begin to have a say.
”So long that we are import-dependent, then we don’t have a say. Therefore, the future of this country is in our hands”, she added.
Olusanya disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu administration is youth and food-centric, as seen in the execution of projects ranging from the recently empowered 3,000 youth and women in the Agric Value Chain Enterprise Activation Programme, Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAPS), Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Scheme (APPEALS), among others.
She, therefore, implored the youth and other stakeholders to channel their energy and vibrancy towards agriculture while assuring the commitment of the government to continue liaising with donor agencies in actualizing the dream of an Agricultural centred state.
