NASFAT advocates youth engagement in agriculture

By Eloyi Matthew

NASFAT Youth Wing, Zone One has charged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment, policies, and programs that would engage more youth in agriculture.

They noted that engagement of young persons is paramount in the agriculture sector, as prices of foodstuffs ceaselessly increase amid poor economic resources.

The group joined other youths across the globe to celebrate 2021 World Youth Day themed ‘Transforming Food Systems; Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.’

Speaking during the 3-Day program to commemorate the day, the Coordinator of NASFAT Youth Zone One, Olowu Adewale Quwam said to enhance youth potentials, the government must provide an enabling environment.

“ To ensure youths are empowered, NASFAT has acquired over 100,000 hectares of land at Okija in Ondo State for agricultural projects.

“I encourage youths to embrace the opportunity. To participate in the project during the farming period, three plots of land will be leased out for N31, 000.”

He urged governments to support the youth by subsidizing mechanized farming in the country.

The General Secretary, NASFAT, Alhaji Gbenga Sumonu, said that youths should be empowered, strengthened, educated, and exposed to be agents of change for Nigeria and the entire world.

“There are opportunities that are potentially inherent in agriculture and the youths should take advantage of this so that they will be able to control the economy of the nation.”

Chairman youth advisory committee Badmus Olayinka Kamaldeen advised the youth to take the bull by the horn, as whatever they do today will be what they will fall back on in the future.

He urged other Muslim organizations to endeavour to mobilize and sensitize youths on the significance of agriculture to society.

NASFAT, also known as Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria is a Nigerian Muslim prayer group with a focus on youth, women, and the elites.