Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to increasing women involvement in agriculture by introducing an empowerment initiative centered on modern farming techniques.
During the launch, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr. Wemimo Akinshola, who represented the governor, revealed that young female farmers from all 18 local government areas of the state had recently completed a three-month intensive training program on modern vegetable farming in Ogun State.
He stated that the training was facilitated through a collaboration between the Ondo State Government and agricultural development organizations.
He explained that the program was created to provide young women with advanced farming skills aimed at improving productivity and ensuring sustainability in agriculture.
He highlighted that the beneficiaries received training in innovative vegetable farming techniques, equipping them to make a significant impact on food production in Ondo State.
He stressed that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision of promoting food security and self-sufficiency, with the ultimate goal of establishing Ondo State as a key agribusiness hub within the next 24 months.
“The objective is to empower young people to take the lead in this vital sector. Achieving food security requires deliberate investment in the next generation of farmers.Through this program, we are laying the groundwork for Ondo State to emerge as a major force in agribusiness,” he concluded.
Discussing the selection process for the next batch of trainees, Akinshola disclosed that local government chairmen have been instructed to compile lists of interested candidates from their respective areas.
He emphasized that the program is exclusively for youths aged 18 to 35, with a total of 100 participants to be chosen for the next phase.
“For this next batch, we have authorized local government chairmen to submit names of interested individuals from their communities,the selection process will be conducted fairly and transparently to ensure that only those with a genuine passion for agriculture are considered. This time, we are increasing the number of participants to 100—comprising 70 females and 30 males—to further enhance the program’s impact,” Akinshola stated.
He reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s commitment to youth empowerment in agriculture, emphasizing that the program will continue to equip young farmers with the technical skills, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in the sector.
The program’s coordinator, Farmer Femi Ilesanmi, highlighted that the training is designed to empower young women and encourage their active participation in food production.
He further revealed that the first batch of trainees, who completed their program on March 24, had returned to Ondo State, now equipped with modern agricultural expertise.
“They are now professional agronomists, fully prepared to apply their knowledge to enhance food production and sustainability in Ondo State,” Ilesanmi stated.
One of the beneficiaries, Ebhodaghe Blessing, described the initiative as a transformative opportunity.
She expressed that the training had been a profound learning experience, equipping her with modern farming techniques, effective strategies to boost productivity, and essential business skills for sustaining an agricultural enterprise.
“I never expected to acquire such extensive knowledge in such a short period, and I sincerely appreciate the Ondo State Government for this invaluable opportunity,” she stated.
