Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, has enjoined the 26 ‘Agrithon’ finalists to spread the word about the state government’s initiatives to empower young people to become a better version of themselves and good ambassadors to the country.
Dr. Hazmat made the call, while speaking at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 1.0, themed: “Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the Next Generation,” which took place at Marcellina’s Place, Ikeja, Lagos, saying that it was important that they should also tell their colleagues about the available opportunity.
According to the deputy governor, these initiatives were designed to provide the younger generation with the necessary platform to succeed and flourish in their endeavours, assuring of government’s support to “make sure that you are doing well.”
“I think it is important that you also be an evangelist that tells your colleagues, the young people out there that there is this much opportunity. Let people know that there is this opportunity. We will support you, we will do everything to make sure that you are doing well,” he said.
The deputy governor stated that Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people who were driven by their vision to transform agriculture and build sustainable solutions, saying that 26 of them were able to make it to the final.
According to him, the programme is a testament to the power of innovation and opportunity, designed to create a platform where young entrepreneurs from across Nigeria pitch their groundbreaking ideas for the future of food.
Hamzat, therefore, commended Nigerians who had transformed economic challenges into opportunities, and encouraged Agrinnovation Club members to advocate for agriculture and inspire more young people to join the sector, adding that such was worth investing in.
Besides, the deputy governor emphasized that Agriculture was crucial to the nation’s economic growth and development, highlighting that investing in it can significantly boost Nigeria’s economy, providing numerous benefits such as; employment, food security, among others.
Hamzat, therefore, congratulated the finalists for their resilience, expressing the hope that they would judiciously use the platform to better their lives and help to grow the food system of Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa at Large.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System, Abisola Olusanya, earlier in her welcome address, said the event was to celebrate and encourage the young entrepreneurs who initiated their agricultural businesses with their resources by leading the way to show that agriculture is the pathway to grow the nation’s economy.
The commissioner, while recognizing their passion, stressed that it would inspire others to enter the sector, which she affirmed had ample space for growth.
Speaking further, Olusanya expressed her expectation that Agriinnovation Club membership would reach 3,000 within three years, calling on them to take advantage of the numerous initiatives of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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