Oyo Govt Urges Youths, Students to Embrace Modern Agriculture

Oyo Govt Urges Youths, Students to Embrace Modern Agriculture
— Commissioner Charges Young People to Change Attitude Towards Agricultural Practice
The Oyo State Government has called on young adults and students to develop a positive attitude towards agriculture, stressing that modern agricultural practice is now driven by innovation, technology, and professionalism.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, made the call on Wednesday at a Symposium for Agricultural Students and Youths, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, as part of activities commemorating the 2025 World Food Day celebration.

Olaleye noted that agricultural practices have evolved from the traditional hoe-and-cutlass system to more advanced, mechanised, and technology-driven methods that can guarantee productivity and sustainability.
“Agriculture today is fundamentally different from what it used to be decades ago. Until our youths and students have a change of mindset towards agriculture, there can be no meaningful progress,” the Commissioner stated.
He identified climate change, post-harvest losses, food inflation, and unemployment as major challenges confronting the agricultural sector, stressing that young people and students represent the future of the food system.

Olaleye therefore encouraged participants to embrace farming as a business venture and complement government efforts towards achieving food security in the state.

 “You are the generation of advanced agriculture — the generation of digital agriculture — where every aspect, from cultivation to processing, is technologically driven,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the Director General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kola Badmus, commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for organizing the symposium, describing it as timely and strategic.

He stated that the role of youths and students in reshaping the agricultural landscape cannot be overemphasized, adding that OYSADA remains committed to creating an enabling environment for agribusiness growth across the state.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, explained that the symposium was part of activities marking the 2025 World Food Day, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”
She stated that the programme aims to open the eyes of young people to the limitless opportunities in agriculture, highlighting that modern agriculture focuses on innovation, agritech, sustainability, and employment creation.

“We are here because we recognise that the future of agriculture, our state, and our nation rests in the hands of our youths,” she said.

Mrs. Owoeye added that bringing together both young and old future agricultural leaders and experienced farmers, reflects unity and a shared purpose in driving agricultural transformation.
She therefore urged participants, particularly students, to view agriculture not as a last resort, but as a field rich with opportunity.
The symposium featured lectures and interactive sessions, where students and participants engaged experts with diverse questions on modern agricultural practices.

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