Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Agriculture on Women and Youth in Agricultural Innovation, Mrs Omolara Svensson, has pledged her commitment to achieving 100 per cent inclusion of women and youth in agriculture.
She noted that this initiative would play a key role in ensuring food security and stimulating economic growth.
She spoke at the handover ceremony of the new executive officers of the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) on Tuesday in Abuja.
It may be recalled that Svensson, had served as the National Coordinator.
She described agriculture as Africa’s and the world’s next “oil well”, noting that empowering women and youth in the sector would ensure sustainable food production, enhance food security, and reduce negative societal vices.
Svensson identified women and youth as major contributors to the nation’s food system.
Expressing gratitude to the Minister of state for her appointment, she affirmed that her primary responsibility is to ensure that the ministry directly reaches grassroots women and youth farmers with available agricultural resources.
She added that her appointment reflects the present administration’s intentional efforts to bring meaningful change to the agricultural sector.
“The Federal Government already has a blueprint for agriculture this year.
“While the government has been engaging with real farmers, I will ensure that women and youth enjoy 100 per cent inclusivity in agricultural programmes.
“I plan to introduce innovative ideas that align with the administration’s mandates and will promote food security.
“Working with the Minister of State, who is an agri-economist with a strong grasp of what needs to be done, makes the task significantly easier”.
Svensson, who described women as goal-getters, urged them to avoid vices that could hinder their progress and that of the organisation.
She advised them to shun envy and jealousy, which she said have long been obstacles preventing women from reaching their full potential across various sectors.
She encouraged teamwork and unity among members, noting that such values would inspire young people to view agriculture as a viable and respectable path, rather than seeking shortcuts to wealth at the expense of their lives.
“We are restructuring our society and the nation as a whole.
“The first priority identified by this administration is food security. The government is therefore working tirelessly to address this challenge.
“I commend the current administration for its intentional approach to ensuring food security and sustainability in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandates.
“The ministry is taking the right steps in the right direction by ensuring women and youth are actively included in achieving food security and sustainability in Nigeria.
“This appointment is the right thing to do. You cannot truly reach my women if you bring in someone who does not understand them or their reality. This is not about politics, it is about proper representation”.
In her remarks, Mrs Lucy Pam, Deputy Coordinator, commended Svensson for her efforts in ensuring that women and youth receive what is rightfully theirs, rather than having resources diverted elsewhere.
She also thanked the organisation for the opportunity to serve and pledged her commitment to effective service delivery.
Similarly, Mrs Anyamus Magit, Plateau State Coordinator, noted that 80 per cent of Nigeria’s population are engaged in farming, with women and youth accounting for 70 per cent of that group.
She described Svensson’s appointment as a step in the right direction towards unlocking the full potential of women and youth in agriculture for the benefit of national development. (NAN)