About 100 youths, particularly women, in Ondo State are to be trained in modern farming practices to boost agriculture in the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Wemimo Akinshola, made the disclosure on Tuesday during a briefing in Akure.

Mr Akinshola said the beneficiaries – who are mostly young females – are set to be trained in innovative vegetable farming methods with the techniques that will enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

He explained that the young female farmers aged between ages 18 and 35, and across the 18 local government areas of the state recently completed a three-month intensive training in modern vegetable farming in Ogun.

“For the next batch, we have approved that local government chairmen should submit names of interested candidates within their jurisdictions. This time, we are expanding participation to 100 youths, 70 females and 30 males, to further strengthen the impact of the programme,” Akinshola stated.

He said, “The whole idea is to make young people take charge of this crucial sector. If we are serious about achieving food security, we must invest in empowering the next generation of farmers. With this programme, we are setting the foundation for Ondo State to become a leading player in agribusiness.”

He assured that the state government remained committed to youth empowerment in agriculture, adding that the programme would continue to provide young farmers with the technical skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in the sector.

Reiterating the commitment of Mr Aiyedatiwa to women’s participation in agriculture, Mr Akinshola emphasised that the initiative was part of the state’s broader agenda to drive food security and self-sufficiency, ultimately transforming Ondo State into an agribusiness hub within the next 24 months.

The programme coordinator, Femi Ilesanmi, stated that the training was aimed at empowering young women and motivating them to engage actively in food production.

Mr Ilesanmi further said that the first batch of trainees, who completed their programme on March 24, had returned to Ondo State and had been equipped with modern agricultural skills.

“Now, they are professional agronomists, ready to apply what they have learned to improve food production and sustainability in Ondo State,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries, Blessing Ebhodaghe, described the initiative as a life-changing opportunity.

Ms Ebhodaghe said the training was an eye-opener, adding that she was able to learn modern farming techniques, better ways to increase productivity, and business strategies that would help her sustain agricultural venture.

She stated, “I never imagined I would gain this much knowledge in such a short time, and I am grateful to the Ondo State Government for this opportunity.’’