Ogun Congratulates Climate-Smart Agriculture Graduates, Pledges Support for Youth Agripreneurs

The Ogun State Government has pledged increased support for youth-led, climate-smart agriculture with the graduation of the 12th cohort of the Soilless Farm Lab’s Empowering Young Innovators in Agriculture (EYIA) three-year pilot programme at Awowo, Ewekoro Local Government Area.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr Angel Adelaja, described the event as another milestone in the state’s efforts to equip young people with modern, technology-driven agricultural skills.

Owotomo said Ogun State was proud to host and support an initiative that is redefining agribusiness in Nigeria, noting that the programme aligns with the government’s commitment to food security, youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture.

He commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience, having spent weeks acquiring hands-on expertise in soilless farming techniques, and also appreciated host communities and traditional rulers for providing a safe and enabling environment throughout the training period.

The commissioner highlighted the state’s sustained support for previous cohorts, including the provision of N5 million grants and access to land, which, he said, had enabled many beneficiaries to establish thriving agribusinesses that contribute to food production and job creation.

Reaffirming the state government’s partnership with Soilless Farm Lab, Owotomo disclosed that new initiatives were already in place to further support agribusiness development, expand climate-smart capacity building and deepen agricultural innovation across the state.

Also speaking through a representative, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Manir Umar, described Soilless Farm Lab as one of the most impressive agribusiness projects in the country, saying the initiative serves as a blueprint for aspiring farmers.

“I am proud as a Nigerian,” Umar said, urging serious-minded young farmers to take advantage of such programmes, which he noted offer practical knowledge and real opportunities for sustainable success in agriculture.

In his remarks, the Alawowo of Awowo, Oba Abdulgafar Tijani, thanked the state government for allowing the establishment of the programme in his domain, noting that it has had a positive impact on the community and its surroundings.

Earlier, in her keynote address, the Project Manager of Soilless Farm Lab, Mrs Peace Bassey, disclosed that the organisation has trained over 12,000 young farmers, constructed 960 greenhouses currently producing vegetables, and positively impacted host communities and beyond.

Highlights of the event included the inauguration of a processing facility by dignitaries such as the Toluwalade of Akinale, Oba Dr Oluseyi Adediran; the Olu, Abalabi of Owu Kingdom, Oba Taofeek Biobaku, and other traditional rulers.