The Federal Government has urged schools across Nigeria to adopt young farmers’ clubs as a strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, inclusivity and food security.
This call was made by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi during a recent meeting in Abuja with representatives from Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Dutse Makaranta, Abuja.
The minister highlighted the role of young farmers’ clubs in strengthening agricultural practices within school environments, noting activities like poultry, fish farming and vegetable gardening as integral to the programme. The initiative aligns with the recent visit by ministry officials to the school as part of activities marking the 2024 World Food Day.
Abdullahi further revealed that the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu is actively supporting the programme through her “Every Home a Garden” initiative. This initiative encourages women to start home gardens and offers a chance to win a substantial prize of N20 million, with the ministry as a key partner.
Additionally, the minister announced that the ministry, through the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) would soon initiate the process to adopt GGSS Dutse under the “Adopted School Programme.” He emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative and advocating for more funding, as food security remains a top priority for the current administration. “With proper planning, we can achieve a future where schools produce and consume their own food,” Abdullahi said.
Principal of GGSS Dutse, Mrs. Fatima Mohammad expressed her gratitude to the federal government, noting that the minister’s visit to the school was a memorable milestone. She shared that the school had recently established a trade and entrepreneurship department, making agriculture a mandatory subject for staff. This move aims to encourage self-sufficiency and ensure that girls are empowered through agricultural education. A statement by the ministry’s director of information signed by Obe Mabel noted that the deputy national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was among the delegation, highlighting the support for empowering young girls through agricultural initiatives.
