In its mission to revolutionize agribusiness in Nigeria, OOK Farms, in conjunction with the Association of Registered Social Youth Club in Oyo State hosted the second edition of her Agribusiness Annual symposium.
Agriculture has always been an integral part of culture and economy in Nigeria, OOK Farms believes it is high time to change the orientation of the youth and women towards this vital sector.
At the event which took place at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, on Saturday, May 23, 2023, with the theme: Re-directing the Youth and Women to the Opportunities in Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry in Nigeria. Volume 2.0
While recognizing the immense potential of agriculture in Nigeria, the convener and group managing director of the company, Omolara Svensson, addressed the key challenges faced by the sector in the country and how they planned to inspire and empower the youth and women of Nigeria to embrace agriculture, unleashing its tremendous potential for their personal growth and the nation’s progress.
According to her, “we must address one of the key challenges faced by the sector: the lack of effective policy implementation. Without robust and well-implemented government policies, the agricultural industry cannot reach its full potential or provide the necessary support to farmers, especially the youth and women. It is imperative that we advocate for policies that not only encourage agriculture but also ensure their effective implementation for maximum impact.”
She however admonished government agencies to encourage agriculture, by focusing on Investment in agricultural infrastructure, giving free access to finance, research and development, market access and value chain development, and Capacity building and extension services.
“OOK Farms recognized this challenge and made a conscious decision to take action. We firmly believe that agriculture is not just a means to feed a nation but a catalyst for economic growth, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. Our aim is to inspire and empower the youth and women of Nigeria to embrace agriculture, unleashing its tremendous potential for their personal growth and our nation’s progress.
“Our survival is at risk because of the heavy tax. We contribute a lot and greatly, especially in the area of job creation. The Agribusiness sector is not the type government should watch suffer at all because it will affect all sectors”, she noted.
In his reaction, the Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Kazeem Bolarinwa, said the Governor Makinde-led administration is doing everything possible to make sure multiple taxations is curtailed, adding that the state government is not aware of the development, but will work with necessary authorities to address the issue.
“Basically you know that government is making sure multiple taxes are curtailed in the state and with what was raised in here today, as a progressive government, we would look into it vigorously. At times, these people will even charge them and it won’t get to the government’s account”, he said.
Other speakers at the conference are Dr. Charles Nwishienyi, with the first lecture on Business and Leadership Ethics in the 21st Century: Focusing on Agriculture and Agribusiness, the second lecture by Farmer Kola Adeniji, Redirecting the Youths and Women to the Opportunities in Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry in Nigeria, and Mr. Samuel Olufolajimi, OOK Farmer’s Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
