* We’re committed to empowering youths for agric growth – Gov
By Nudoiba Ojen
Culture and tradition were in display during the 37th Lisabi Day Festival in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Saturday.
This was as, in line with the mood of the country at present, emphasis was placed on agriculture and entrepreneurship based on the theme of the celebration, “Encouraging Youth Entrepreneurship in Agric Business: Panacea for Solving Youth Unemployment in Egbaland”.
Various groups, dressed in various attire to showcase culture and the significance of the Lisabi festival, paid homage to the Alake of Egbaland.
The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo acknowledged the success of the Lisabi festival, thanking Egba sons and daughters for their financial support.
He announced plans to empower Egba indigenes through Lisabi palliatives and educational support for students.
The traditional ruler, who applauded the governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the modern Adire market at Asero, encouraged youths to explore Adire making and selling, emphasizing the simultaneous importance of preserving the agricultural legacy of Egbaland.
A former military administrator of Bauchi and Sokoto states, Navy Captain Rasheed Raji, emphasized the festival’s purpose to shift youth focus from white-collar jobs to sustainable occupations like agriculture.
Raji appealed to Governor Abiodun to support youths in achieving self-sustaining agricultural businesses through the state ministry of agriculture.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who congratulated Oba Gbadebo and Egba people on the celebration, said that the theme aligned with his commitment to empower youths for agricultural growth.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Engr (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting young farmers and investors in land clearing, preparation, and mechanization for agriculture.
Abiodun said that the Anchor Borrowers Scheme in the state has nurtured over 40,000 agripreneurs.
He called for intensified efforts in agriculture and allied businesses, focusing on youth development, even as he highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture in the state’s economic roadmap, contributing to food security, job creation, and industrialization.
He said: “Ogun State remains a major global producer of cassava, with strengths in cassava production, poultry farming, fish production, and animal husbandry.”
Abiodun underscored the government’s interest in boosting the agricultural value chain, encouraging private sector investment for sustained industrialization, job creation, and food security.
While urging elders to instil core values in the youth, he emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and diligence.
