Ogun State Congratulates Climate-Smart Agriculture Graduates, Pledges Support

News in brief:

-Ogun State has pledged continued support for climate-smart, youth-driven agriculture at the graduation of the EYIA programme’s 12th cohort.

-Officials highlighted grants, land access and partnerships as key tools for expanding sustainable agribusiness in the state.

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

The graduation ceremony was held at Awowo, Ewekoro Local Government Area, bringing together government officials, traditional rulers, development partners and programme beneficiaries.

Programme Aligns With State’s Food Security Goals

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

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

Graduates Commended for Dedication and Resilience

The commissioner praised the graduates for their commitment and resilience, having spent weeks undergoing hands-on training in soilless and climate-smart farming techniques.

He also acknowledged the support of host communities and traditional institutions, thanking them for providing a safe and enabling environment throughout the training period.

Grants, Land Access Drive Agribusiness Growth

Highlighting government support for previous cohorts, Owotomo said beneficiaries had received ₦5 million grants and access to land, which enabled many of them to establish viable agribusiness ventures contributing to food production and job creation across the state.

He added that these interventions demonstrate the tangible impact of targeted youth-focused agricultural policies.

Expanded Partnership With Soilless Farm Lab

Reaffirming Ogun State’s partnership with Soilless Farm Lab, the commissioner disclosed that new initiatives were already underway to expand climate-smart capacity building, deepen agricultural innovation and further support agribusiness development 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 Nigeria.

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

Host Community Applauds Development Impact

In his remarks, the Alawowo of Awowo, Oba Abdulgafar Tijani, thanked the Ogun State Government for allowing the establishment of the programme in his domain, noting that it has delivered a positive social and economic impact on the community and surrounding areas.

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 nationwide.

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

The graduation reinforced Ogun State’s position as a leading hub for agricultural innovation and climate-smart farming in Nigeria.