By Roseline Okakah
The Chairman of the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), Hon. Wemimo Akinsola, has announced a ₦2 million bursary and welfare support package for members of the National Union of Okitipupa Local Government Students (NUOLGS) as part of efforts to support students and promote youth development.
Akinsola made the announcement while receiving a delegation of the student body, led by its National President, Adeoye Omoleminu, during a courtesy visit to the OSAEC office.
The OSAEC Chairman said the initiative was designed to assist indigent students with basic feeding support while pursuing their education, stressing that no student should be forced to struggle with hunger while in school.
“Nobody should go to bed hungry. This is a voluntary and personal initiative to support students who may need assistance with meals while in school. We will work out a structure to ensure the support reaches those who genuinely need it,” he said.
Akinsola, who also serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, commended the students for their interest in agribusiness and described their visit as a reflection of the commitment of Okitipupa youths to leadership, development, and the future of Ondo State.
He reiterated the importance of agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security, urging young people to take advantage of opportunities within the sector.
“I keep saying that everybody should get involved in agribusiness. It is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in what is currently driving economic growth and development. Their visit shows that they want to learn and explore opportunities available in the sector,” he said.
The OSAEC Chairman disclosed that the centre currently operates several empowerment programmes capable of accommodating young people and students. These include the Adiye Irorun Programme, Eja Irorun Programme, Hydroponics Empowerment Programme, and Cassava Offtakers Programme.
According to him, discussions are underway to develop a framework that will enable students to participate in the programmes during holidays and other free periods without disrupting their academic pursuits.
“We need to create a balanced arrangement that will enable students to benefit from these opportunities, especially during holidays and other free periods, while also focusing on their education,” he said.
Akinsola further emphasised the need for greater youth participation in agriculture, noting that increased involvement in farming and agribusiness would contribute significantly to addressing food insecurity and strengthening the economy.
“Agriculture is the future. If people can cultivate crops such as rice, maize, and cassava, or engage in livestock production, we will be able to produce our own food instead of relying solely on the market. That is what we teach and practise here,” he added.
Akinsola assured the students of OSAEC’s readiness to collaborate with them and reiterated the centre’s commitment to empowering young people with the practical knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed in the agricultural sector.
Earlier, the NUOLGS President, Adeoye Omoleminu, commended Akinsola for his contributions to youth empowerment, agricultural development, job creation, and skills acquisition across the state.
He also sought a strategic partnership between the student union and OSAEC to facilitate the inclusion of students in the centre’s empowerment initiatives, including agricultural training, internships, entrepreneurship workshops, mentorship schemes, and access to grants and starter packs.