Dr. Samira Jibir, President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), has called for a change in attitude towards agriculture to achieve self-reliance and improve performance in the sector.
She made the call during the launch of the Young Tech Farmers (YTF) Club by the Sustainable Agro and Hunger Eradication (SAHE) Foundation at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
The event, held on Friday, May 24, 2024, brought together agricultural and educational stakeholders, along with senior secondary school students from various schools across Lagos State.
Represented by Prince Sakiru Raji, NAPPS BOT Secretary, Dr. Jibir highlighted the role of agriculture, stating that food security is fundamentally linked to agriculture.
She stressed the need for a change in approach towards agriculture to enhance performance and achieve self-reliance.
“Real farmers are those who can plough 20 to 30 acres of land in a day, and that is the kind of farmer we envisage in you,” Dr. Jibir stated.
She pointed out the impact of technology on food production, urging participants to consider the integration of modern agricultural practices.
“Today, we have a situation whereby technology has taken over everything. That is why in food production, we must try as much as possible to apply technology.
“Don’t just think of farming as what you may have seen in your villages; farming is much more than that,” she said.
“Nigeria is under threat of hunger. If there is crop failure in the North, there will be hunger in the South. We must think outside the box and do things differently,” she warned.
She encouraged participants to explore innovative agricultural ideas and utilize support from organizations and banks.
“There are many organizations that are willing to provide you with valuable ideas about agriculture. All you need to do is put your plan into action,” she said, adding that young people should see agriculture as a profitable venture.