OSAEC Chairman Urges Ondo Youth To Explore Opportunities In Agribusinessess
OSAEC Chairman Urges Ondo Youth To Explore Opportunities In Agribusinessess
The Chairman of the Ondo State Agricultural Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola has urged Nigerian youths to explore business opportunities beyond traditional farming and embrace other segments of the agricultural value chain to drive innovation and economic growth.
He gave the advice during a courtesy visit to his Akure office by the National Union of Okitipupa Local Government Students (NUOLGS) on Thursday 11th June, 2026.
Akinsola explained that opportunities existed in agricultural processing, logistics, marketing, technology, trade and finance for young Nigerians willing to innovate and fill existing gaps.
Speaking at the Conference Room of the Agency, Akinsola reflected on the spirit of togetherness that defined the old era, contrasted it with the challenges facing the new generation, and recalled the hardship of those years, including the lack of electricity.
He said the conversation should move beyond sentiment to practical issues, starting with the kind of leadership Okitipupa truly needs, noting that the people of Okitipupa were originally rooted in agriculture and that this heritage still holds value.
He noted that, the next generation of youth could be empowered by unlocking several opportunities in Agribusiness, saying that is the core mission of OSAEC which is turning resources into profits and empowering the youth and women.
He acknowledged the visit of the students body to his office, saying the courtesy call is a testament to the commitment of the young people of Okitipupa Local Government to leadership, development, and the future of our state.
” As students, you stand at a very important stage of life. The decisions you make today, the skills you acquire, and the opportunities you embrace will largely determine your future. It is therefore important that you begin to look beyond certificates alone and start positioning yourselves for opportunities that can create wealth, provide employment, and positively impact society”.
Akinsola charged the students to see opportunities in Agribusiness, noting that the era of cultivating the land with cutlasses and hoes has gone, adding that griculture has become a modern business sector that creates entrepreneurs, exporters, processors, technology innovators, and employers of labour..
“Across the world, young people are building successful careers and businesses within the agricultural value chain, and Ondo State is creating similar opportunities for its youths”.
He further stressed that, Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), remain committed to empowering young people and women through practical programmes that equip participants with skills, resources, and opportunities to succeed.
Akinsola listed Adiye Irorun Programme, Bio-Organic Fertilizer Training Programme, Eja Irorun Programme, Ondo State Agricultural Development Programme, Hydroponics Training Initiative – 36 Model Farmers, Empowerment of 2,000 Youths and Women, WISE Programme among several initiatives OSAEC designed in developing the people of Ondo State.
” We remain committed to identifying opportunities that will empower our youths, create jobs, improve livelihoods, and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.
He assured the students that OSAEC will continue to maintain close engagement with their association and other youth bodies so that youth-centred programmes, empowerment opportunities, training initiatives, and development projects can be communicated promptly to their members.
” I believe strongly that many of the future agribusiness leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators of Ondo State are seated here today. With determination, discipline, and the right opportunities, there is no limit to what you can achieve”.
The Chairman added that Ondo state is driving youth participation in agriculture through the State Agricultural Programme, which provides practical training, enterprise support and internship opportunities.
He stressed the need to equip young Nigerians with skills relevant to emerging opportunities in the sector, saying, the future farmer may not necessarily carry a hoe buy design farm equipment software, develop AI-powered production tools, or create digital marketplaces connecting producers to consumers.”
On student engagement, he announced a bursary for feeding, backed by a seed fund of N2 million.
He said students would go through strict registration and be placed directly under experienced farmers, learning to by doing, not by listening.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Okitipupa Students presented the Chairman with Award of Excellence in Youth Empowerment.
