The Federal Government has urged schools across the country to embrace the Young Farmers’ Club initiative as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food security, boost agricultural productivity, and promote inclusivity among young Nigerians.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, made this call during a visit to 1st UBE Primary School, Pasali, Kuje, in Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2024 World Food Day celebration.
Abdullahi explained that the initiative aims to create early awareness of agriculture as a viable and dignified profession while equipping students with modern farming skills and reviving interest in the sector.
“The programme fosters entrepreneurship, responsibility, and self-reliance through practical training and home farming projects,” the minister said.
He added that the idea was reinforced during his previous visit to Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, noting that engaging students early in agricultural activities would support the country’s long-term food sustainability goals.
The minister also commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her “Every Home a Garden” initiative, describing it as a strong contribution to national food security and a key driver of household farming awareness.
At the Kuje school, Abdullahi inspected student-run horticultural projects and encouraged pupils to embrace the message, “Produce what you eat and eat what you produce.”
He directed the Horticulture Department of the ministry to assist the school’s club under the Urban Agriculture programme, stressing that sustainable farming and all-year-round production were essential to addressing food challenges in the country.
Abdullahi further revealed that the Federal Government was reviewing the national school curricula to integrate agriculture at all educational levels.
Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, advocated for the inclusion of animal husbandry in school farming activities to give students a complete understanding of food production processes.
“Children shouldn’t think food comes from the supermarket. Someone has to work in the field,” Maiha said.
He announced plans to introduce new grass varieties for animal feed production, describing livestock farming as the missing link in school-based agriculture.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Emmanuel Ndubisi expressed gratitude to the ministers, noting that pupils had already started cultivating crops such as okro, corn, and groundnut.
The minister also visited Government Secondary Schools in Karshi and Karu, where he presented farm inputs to support ongoing agricultural projects.