The Osun State Government has put all necessary action in motion to support the 40 German-trained Osun Youths by inaugurating an 8 member inter-Ministerial Committee that will facilitate the engagement of the youths in modern farming practices in the State.
It has also approved the release of 50 hectares of land at Ago-Owu farm settlement area for the use of these youths who have received needed training in modern agricultural best practices in Germany and are enthusiastic to embrace farming as a means of living.
While speaking during the inauguration of the Committee held at the Conference room of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Youth Engagement, Dr. Oluwabukola Aluko disclosed that an estimated amount of #100 Million had been spent for the overseas training of the 40 beneficiaries.
He also stated that Osun youths can also benefit maximally from their experience through “the train the trainer programme” if all necessary support are given to them to practice what they have learnt.
The Coordinating Director maintained that, the government’s effort to support the youths in agriculture is in line with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s integral action plan to banish hunger and unemployment through agriculture.
He charged the committee members which include officers from the Ministries of Commerce, Cooperative and Empowerment, Finance and Agricultural, Food Security and Youth Engagement to work assiduously within the limited time frame to achieve the set target of resettlingthem to their farms.
Also speaking, the facilitator of the training, Dr. Gbele Olamilekan emphasised that the experience garnered by the youths has become an asset to the State of Osun and if well tapped, can lead the State to economic buoyancy.
Dr. Olamilekan also appreciated officials of the Ministry of Agriculture for their support and efforts in making the trip a huge success and urged them to have a road map for maximum use of the potential experience for the benefit of the youths and entire State at large, noting that youths are the future leaders.
