The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Bureau of ICT and Digital Innovation, Mrs Raheemat Adabanija, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace digital technologies to transform agriculture into a globally competitive and profitable enterprise.
Talking on Friday at the University of Ibadan, the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Bureau of ICT and Digital Innovation, Raheemat Adabanija, stated that modern technologies are reshaping traditional farming into data-led enterprises.
Addressing the “Gown and Town” seminar organised by the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, Adabanija explained that advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, big data, and automation are opening fresh avenues for young people across the country.
She noted that food production has shifted beyond basic crop cultivation into a sophisticated sector equipped to address severe climate risks and persistent food insecurity.
Adabanija instructed young entrants to utilise mobile applications, e-commerce networks, precision farming tools, and online marketing platforms to reach customers far beyond domestic borders.
“Digital agriculture is no longer the future; it is today’s reality. Farmers can now remotely monitor crops, predict weather patterns, detect diseases early, automate irrigation systems and access wider markets through technology,” she said.
Overcoming Structural Barriers to Drive Regional Youth Agribusiness
The appeal comes at a time when West Africa faces dual challenges: rising youth unemployment and escalating food inflation. Traditional smallholder methods often fail to deliver the yields required to secure regional supply networks, leaving young workers hesitant to enter the primary sector.
By framing agricultural technology innovation as a commercial driver rather than mere manual labour, policymakers aim to turn the sector into an engine for economic growth. The integration of real-time market data, satellite imagery, and automated machinery allows small enterprise owners to cut operational costs and establish direct trade lines to international buyers, skipping traditional middle-man markups.
Agricultural Entrepreneurship: Institutional Support and Industry Alignment
Higher education institutions are increasingly aligning their academic frameworks with commercial requirements to ensure graduates possess practical market capabilities.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Abiodun Ayodele, said universities must increasingly rely on partnerships with alumni, development partners and the private sector to sustain teaching, research and infrastructure.
He commended the department for attracting external support to execute projects that would benefit students and the larger society.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Tolu Ososanya, lauded the initiative and the administration of the department under Prof. Morufat Balogun, who with other colleagues in the department has recorded tremendous success in the last four years. Ososanya also appreciated the donors and sponsors who have partnered with the department for providing resources that would enhance teaching and learning for students.
Head of the Department, Prof. Morufat Balogun, explained that the gathering aimed to bridge the divide between theoretical research and field application, while expanding youth agribusiness opportunities in specialised areas. Balogun added that the department has introduced practical training initiatives focusing on seed production and mushroom cultivation to assist students in achieving financial independence.
Private sector leaders stressed that infrastructure modernization is essential for scalable growth. The Managing Partner of Sahel Consulting, Temi Adegoroye, confirmed that strengthening agricultural value chains through improved seed systems and technology adoption would create jobs, increase productivity and boost Nigeria’s agricultural competitiveness.
“Technology was not replacing agriculture but enabling farmers and agribusinesses to scale production, create jobs and improve profitability,” Adegoroye said.
He identified digital tools for seed certification, traceability and farm management as innovations capable of strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem and attracting investment.
International research bodies also pledged continued operational support. In a goodwill message, the Director of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Prof. Michael Abberton, represented by Dr Beatrice Aighewi, PROSSIVA Project Lead and Head of IITA Abuja Station, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining collaboration with the University of Ibadan in youth training, research and agricultural innovation.
The representative encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the initiative and contribute to building a more productive agricultural sector.
The event featured the inauguration of Youth4Climate initiatives alongside several newly completed campus projects. Upgrades included a hybrid solar and inverter-powered cold room dedicated to Yam seed storage, screen houses, an ultra-filtered water purification system, and modernized laboratory facilities designed to support practical research.
