The All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has inaugurated an Agricultural Reality TV Challenge Show aimed at encouraging youths’ participation in agriculture.The National-President, AFAN, Dr Farouk Mudi, said this at the inauguration of the programme titled ‘Agrivest’ in Abuja on Monday, saying that it would to create a platform for many young people to engage in agribusiness.
Mudi said that the show was aimed at sensitising young people about agribusiness and boost job creation in the agric-sector of the economy.“The show will focus on testing young people’s skillful knowledge, business acumen, teamwork and ability to adapt to a competitive environment, to transform lives, communities and the economy.“In the quest of self-sufficiency in food production in Nigeria, the Agrivest-Reality-TV Challenge Show is a comprehensive agribusiness training, advocacy and mentoring programme delivered on entertainment platform.“Our objective is to stimulate, create awareness and redirect the attention of the youthful population of Nigeria to tremendous potential and opportunities into Agriculture using entertainment as delivery-channel.“We believe there is a major strategic gap in the agribusiness sector. As the Nigerian population continues to grow, the revival and sustainability of the sector becomes even more critical,” he said.Mudi added: “In addition to the thousands of jobs and wealth that will be created for those engaged, the resurgence of the sector will help the country guarantee food security and fight hunger.”Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, TingoMobile Ltd., Alhaji Auwal Maude, underscored the need for youths’ sensitization on best practices in agriculture to achieve the target.
“Agriculture can no more be seen as a culture but as Agri-business, as it will also brighten the minds of youths and enlighten them on the importance of Agriculture as a skill.
“We appeal to the government to create an enabling environment and connections with private sectors, International investors to build wealth through Agriculture,’’ he said.
Also, Dr Emmanuel Abuhson, the representative of Agrivest Media Services Ltd., lauded the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between AFAN and TingoMobile, saying it was capable of reviving farming practice.
He also lauded the MoU between AFAN; Feed the Future and TingoMobile, saying it would help to deepen private sector involvement in promotion of farming practice among young people.
“Farming in Africa appears to have been left to our fathers, but with the MoU aimed at empowering the youth, Nigeria can feed Africa and the world,” he said. Highpoints of the ceremony was the signing of the MoU. (NAN)
