Lawmakers representing Ibeju-Lekki constituencies in Lagos State have underscored the need for incentives to encourage the youth to embrace agriculture and agribusiness.
According to them, the involvement of young people in the country’s agricultural processes was pivotal to creating a self-sustaining economy, reducing unemployment, and ensuring the availability of sufficient, nutritious food for the population.
The lawmakers spoke during the ninth edition of the House of Assembly Town Hall Meeting held recently, themed: ”Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-grown Farming”.
Fatai Mojeed, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ibeju-Lekki Constituency 1, harped on the critical role of youth participation in the various agricultural processes.
Mr Mojeed said agriculture was a sure way of tackling the nation’s food security challenges and urged the government to continue to give it much-needed attention.
He also called for measures and incentives to support the promotion of home-grown farming to ensure food security.
“The role of youths in home-grown farming in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised.
“Should Nigerian youths be provided with incentives and other lucrative, basic necessities for farming, the number of youth farmers will increase,“ he said.
Earlier, Oladele Ajayi, the member representing the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Ibeju-Lekki Constituency 2, highlighted the importance of empowering young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge required for modern farming.
He pointed out that youth participation was essential in driving innovations in agriculture, including the adoption of mechanised farming, climate-smart practices, and digital technologies in food production.
“For food security to be achieved, we must encourage our youths to see farming as a business and a career option.
“By doing so, we would not only reduce unemployment but also boost local food production, reduce import dependency, and strengthen the economy,” he said.