The federal government has pledged to achieve 100 per cent inclusion of women and youth in agriculture.

Omolara Svensson, a special assistant to the junior agric minister, noted that this initiative would play a key role in ensuring food security and stimulating economic growth.

She spoke at the handover ceremony of the new executive officers of the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ms Svensson had served as the national coordinator of NWAPDI.

She described agriculture as Africa’s and the world’s next “oil well”, noting that empowering women and youth in the sector would ensure sustainable food production, enhance food security, and reduce negative societal vices.

Ms Svensson identified women and youth as major contributors to the nation’s food system.

“The federal government already has a blueprint for agriculture this year. While the government has been engaging with real farmers, I will ensure that women and youth enjoy 100 per cent inclusivity in agricultural programmes.

“I plan to introduce innovative ideas that align with the administration’s mandates and will promote food security. Working with the Minister of State, who is an agri-economist with a strong grasp of what needs to be done, makes the task significantly easier,” she said.

Lucy Pam, deputy coordinator of NWAPDI, commended Ms Svensson for her efforts in ensuring that women and youth receive what is rightfully theirs rather than having resources diverted elsewhere.

Similarly, Anyamus Magit, the coordinator in Plateau, noted that 80 per cent of Nigeria’s population is engaged in farming, with women and youth accounting for 70 per cent of that group.

(NAN)