…says, youth engagement in agriculture is fundamental to strengthening human civilization.
AWKA, NIGERIA | The iNews Times | Youth engagement in agriculture has been identified as a critical pathway to addressing food security and rising food prices in Nigeria, as the 2024 NUJ Anambra State Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year, Hon. Oliver Okennah, called on young people to actively participate in farming.
Okennah, founder of the Mother Sussan Charity Foundation, made the call in a statement addressed to the youths of Ebenebe in Awka North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State during their Egwu Alusi Festival, a cultural celebration that ushers in the new planting season and promotes healthy living.
The Nigerian-Canadian citizen also used the occasion, which held between March 5 and March 9, 2026, to advise youths to remain cautious and courteous while participating in cultural festivities.
Speaking on the importance of youth engagement in agriculture, Okennah emphasised that farming remains essential not only for food production but also for human development and societal growth.
“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings, and farming is a profession of hope.
“I have urged Ebenebe youths to embrace agricultural practices such as animal husbandry, crop cultivation, and other farming activities instead of idleness a state of being inactive, unemployed, or lazy, often characterised by a lack of effort or purpose,” he said.
According to Okennah, popularly known as Dikemba Ebenebe, youth engagement in agriculture is fundamental to strengthening human civilisation, creating wealth, and ensuring environmental harmony.
He explained that agriculture also improves food quality, safety, and sustainability, making it a key driver of community development.
“Ebenebe is known as the food basket of Awka North and Anambra State. We will continue to make progress through the initiatives of my foundation, the Mother Sussan Charity Foundation, in supporting agricultural development in Ebenebe and Awka North,” he said.
Okennah added that his foundation has been implementing the Ebenebe Food Sufficiency and Surplus Camping Initiative, a programme designed to promote youth engagement in agriculture and strengthen food production in the area.
According to him, the initiative has already made measurable progress by encouraging residents to actively participate in farming activities.
“We have distributed seedlings to encourage everyone to farm. This year will mark the fourth year of implementing the food surplus camping initiative,” he stated.
Okennah expressed optimism that the programme would continue to grow and attract greater support and partnerships.
“It is going to be bigger and better, and we also pray for support and partnerships to make Ala Igbo food sufficient,” he added.
Community stakeholders say the call for stronger youth engagement in agriculture aligns with growing concerns about food security, rising food prices, and the need to empower young people with sustainable livelihoods.
They noted that encouraging youths to embrace agriculture could help transform rural economies, improve food production, and reduce unemployment across communities in Anambra State and the wider South-East region.
