In a vibrant Children’s Day celebration that doubled as a groundbreaking launch of the Global Youth AgriTech Network (GYANT), the SAHE Foundation affirmed that the future of agriculture belongs to the tech-savvy youth of Nigeria.
While addressing the audience gathered at the event, the Founder of SAHE Foundation, Dr. Idongesit Mbaram stated: “This is more than technology—it’s a revolution that begins here, today, with you.”
This year’s event, themed “Becoming Young Champions of Tech-Enabled Agriculture”, spotlighted the Foundation’s mission to transform agriculture from a traditional labor-intensive practice to a digital, youth-driven enterprise.
Dr. Mbaram emphasized the launch of GYANT as “a community-driven organisation that empowers young people through technology, education, and entrepreneurship.”
Her words: “We believe that by empowering our youth with the knowledge and tools of tech-enabled agriculture, we are not only securing their future but also ensuring food security and sustainable development for our nation and indeed, the world.
“Also, today marks a momentous occasion with the official launch of the Global Youth AgriTech Network (GYANT). This network, now registered as an international NGO, is a testament to our expanding vision.
“GYANT will serve as a global platform, connecting young agricultural enthusiasts and innovators from every corner of the world, with representatives from each country.
“It will be a community-driven organisation that empowers young people around the world, particularly in underserved agricultural communities, through technology, education, and entrepreneurship.
“This network will provide AgriTech training, innovation programmes, and digital resources to help young farmers improve productivity, sustainability, and food security.
“It is designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the joint pursuit of sustainable agricultural solutions, driven by the ingenuity of our youth.
“In addition to the official launch of the Global Youth AgriTech Network (GYANT), we are also launching a groundbreaking innovation, an Agriculture Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, possibly the first of its kind!
“This intelligent system will be carefully developed to provide instant, accurate, and accessible information on everything agriculture-related, from crop cultivation tips to pest control solutions, soil health management, climate-smart practices, agribusiness guidance, and more.
Also reflecting on the past year’s event of SAHE Foundation, Dr. Mbaram said: “Looking back, our journey has been filled with inspiring achievements. Last year’s Children’s Day event was a resounding success. We brought together 1,250 students at Lagos State University Ojo (Main campus) Lagos State, engaging them in hands-on workshops, practical panel sessions and games that introduced them to the wonders of technologically driven sustainable farming practices.
“The energy, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas demonstrated by those young minds were truly remarkable.
“This year, we are taking it a step further. This hybrid Children’s Day Event, accessible both physically here at the Ati Annang Foundation Library Avenue in Ikot Ekpene and virtually via Zoom, ensures that our message of tech-enabled agriculture reaches an even wider audience.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have with us today, the executive chairman of this great local government, Hon (Elder) Aniefiok Nkom and also our Keynote Speaker, Engr. Dr. Akpasam Ekanem from the Electronic and Electrical Engineering Department of Akwa Ibom State University, who will share invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and agriculture.
“To all the young champions present today, both here in Ikot Ekpene and joining us virtually, remember that you are the future. Say, “I am the future”.
“The seeds of innovation you plant today will blossom into a more prosperous and sustainable tomorrow. Embrace technology, explore the vast possibilities within agriculture, and become the trailblazers that our world so desperately needs.”
As a registered international NGO, GYANT aims to connect youth worldwide in a shared pursuit of innovation in agriculture.
