SEYI TAIWO-OGUNTUASE
Capacious Farms and Foods has reiterated the need for young Nigerians in the primary and secondary schools to understand the opportunities within the agriculture industry from their early age, as they are the future of the green economy.
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, the group Chairman of Adron Groups, pointed this out in an interview with Daily Independent at the presentation of prizes to winners of the Art and Essay competition organized by Capacious Farms and Foods Limited, a subsidiary of Adron Homes.
The event which was held at the Treasure Golden Hotels Conference Centre, Shimawa had students from the winning schools; Thames Valley College, Sotubo, Glister International Academy Abuja, Mallizbay High School Ibeju-Lekki, Pelican College, and The Everest Top Academy.
He said a small beginning in agriculture- whether through school gardens, agriculture clubs, or science projects can inspire the next generation of farmers, researchers and innovators to build on the legacy of Nigerian agriculture.
He said that the plan of the organisation is to catch them young and to create that awareness and get them involved early in life.
He recalled his days in Remo secondary school where every student has his or her portion given at the beginning of the term to plant maize, tomatoes among others and at the end of the harvest any student with the biggest produce gets prizes from the principal.
“Those are the days that we value agriculture and the essence of agriculture. I remembered then going back home in Ilishan, I always look for every available land to plant.
“Some of the children today do not even know about farming at all, there is a gap from the farming that we know, and that is why we brought in the art so that they can draw farm produce and the essay to drive in them the consciousness and the passion for them to love Agriculture especially the green economy that the government is driving.
He said that the Capacious Farms and foods is not just about production, it is about knowledge development and community engagement.
“Our plans include establishing research laboratories, launching school green economy awareness programmes, and initiating partnerships that bring the future of farming into the classroom.
“We aim to empower not just today’s farmers but tomorrow’s innovators, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for sustainable food security.
Emmanuelking also noted that the vision of the organisation is to be the biggest food chain supplier in every state of the federation, built on a foundation of quality, sustainability, and empowerment for farmers and consumers alike.
“We are committed to bridging the gap in the green economy, ensuring that our company becomes the food basket of the federation. Our focus is not just on feeding the nation but in doing so with integrity and responsibility, creating a resilient food chain system that can withstand future challenges.
“Let us remember that the food we eat today is a product of yesterday’s efforts and tomorrow’s harvest will be a product of what we plant today in our fields, our minds and our hearts,” he added.
According to Chi Tola Roberts, the Chief Operating Officer of the Capacious Farms and foods “we come together to celebrate the creativity, talent and passion of young minds who have embraced the important themes of food security and sustainability.”
She said through their thoughtful essay and inspiring artworks the students have shown the world the power of their voices and visions in shaping a better future for the world.
“I am proud of each participant and applaud their hard work and dedication.”
Speaking further she said that Capacious Farms and foods is dedicated to planting the seeds of change that will nourish the nation for generations to come.
“Together let us embrace the future of agriculture and ensure that Nigeria thrives as a global leader in feeding the world,” she said.
Abiodun Adesegun, a Professor of History and Chairman Babcock University School Management Board, the keynote speaker said that Nigerians cannot go wrong if the country invests a lot in agriculture.
“We have arable land, when you travel by road to various parts of Nigeria you see land that is not cultivated, that is why kidnappers have a leeway because the land is there and no one is paying attention to it.”
He said that there is a need for a paradigm shift in the way agriculture is done.
“We can merge technology that is evolving into our agriculture practice so that the generation zee and the upcoming generation will find agriculture more attractive. Right now all of them want to push into IT and there is synergy between IT and agriculture.
“There are modern agricultural practices that can blend and we have a captive market, in Nigeria itself a country with 250 million people always looking for food and we can be the bread basket of Africa and Europe which is the nearest to us out of all other continents,” he explained.
Adesegun said there is need to encourage the young ones because, what they are thinking now is how to leave the country, whereas they can make it here.
Oluwaseyi Ibitayo, of Thames Valley College came first in the Art competition, while Nwanze Uche, of Mallizbay High School came first in the Essay Competition.
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