HAMZAT ENJOINS YOUTH TO EMBRACE AGRICULTURE, ASSURES OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has enjoined the 26 ‘Agrithon’ finalists to spread the word about the Sanwo-Olu administration's initiatives to empower young people to become a better version of themselves and good ambassadors of the country.
The Deputy Governor gave the admonition, on Thursday, at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 1.0, themed: “Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the Next Generation” held at Marcellina’s Place, Ikeja, Lagos, noting that these initiatives were designed to provide the younger generation with the necessary platform to succeed and flourish in their endeavours.
Hamzat said, “I think it is important that you also be an evangelist that tells your colleagues - the young people out there that there is this much opportunity. We will support you and do everything to make sure that you do well.”
Speaking further, the Deputy Governor noted that Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people who are driven by their vision to transform agriculture and build sustainable solutions, while 26 of them were able to make it to the final.
He added that it is a testament to the power of innovation and opportunity as the programme is designed to create a platform where young entrepreneurs from across Nigeria pitch their groundbreaking ideas for the future of food.
Dr. Hamzat, therefore, commended Nigerians who have transformed economic challenges into opportunities and encouraged Agrinnovation Club members to advocate for agriculture and inspire more young people to join the sector, adding that that is worth investing in.
In addition, the Deputy Governor emphasised that Agriculture is crucial to Nigeria's economic growth and development, highlighting that investing in agriculture can significantly boost the nation's economy while providing numerous benefits such as employment and food security, among others.
He, therefore, congratulated the finalists for their resilience, hoping they will judiciously use the platform to better their lives and help to grow the food system of Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa at large.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said the event was to celebrate and encourage the young entrepreneurs who initiated their agricultural businesses with their resources by leading the way to show that agriculture is the pathway to grow the nation’s economy.
While recognising their passion, the Commissioner stressed that it would inspire others to enter the sector which she affirmed has ample space for growth.
Speaking further, Olusanya expressed her expectation that Agrinnovation Club membership would reach 3000 within three years, calling on them to take advantage of the numerous initiatives of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration.
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