From Francis Akinnodi, Ondo
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Senator Tayo Alasoadura has reiterated call on youths to seize the opportunities in agriculture, which he said is already proving to be the bedrock of the nation’s new economy.

The senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial district said leaders at all levels must help the young people to plan their future and urged them to explore opportunities easily accessible in agriculture because, as he said, “agriculture is the future.”

He promised to continue to support the promotion of skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship among the young population in Ondo State especially in Ondo Central Senatorial District.

“I want to advise our people to engage in meaningful ventures like agriculture to earn a living and meet other household needs instead of roaming the streets looking for white collar jobs. I will do my best to support any interested youth in agric business because that is the  shortest way to earn a  living.

He disclosed that his programme, “Senator Tayo Alasoadura Youth Empowerment in Agric Business” is aimed at giving  youths in the     Central Senatorial District a better future, charged  them to engage in meaningful agric business with a view to being self reliant.

“I engage a specialist in agric business to teach our youths in the Central Senatorial District the short term benefits  of maize, cassava and poultry farming which I believe can change their lives for better. After the seminar, we will empower those registered with materials needed to achieve their target.

“Agric business can provide jobs for millions of our youths which will help the state and Nigeria in general towards the attainment of food security and jobs.

He said the programme also teaches cocoa farmers on planting the  right variety in a view to facilitate merchandising of commodities and  creating a link between the producers and the global market.

Also speaking, an agric business expert, Mr. Tolu Ademusere said agricultural research needs young brainpower as a way of reducing poverty in our land.

He said the number of youths at the seminars in the six local government areas of the central senatorial district was massive and encouraging adding that agriculture can be a gold mine for young entrepreneurs.

According to him, “We are in partnership with relevant stakeholders to make the programme achievable. The prospects of youths in agriculture is great and can reduce unemployment in Nigeria if done properly. The farmers must work hand in  hand to achieve the objectives.

“For poultry farmers, we will provide them with broilers, feeds and drugs. And for those who have cocoa and cassava farms, we will provide them with chemicals and link them with buyers, sponsored by the Senator to engage the youths through empowerment in agricultural revolution”, he said.