Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural transformation, emphasizing the role of young people in ensuring food security across the state. This was highlighted by Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, during his keynote address at the National Youth Convention for Sustainable Tomorrow and the unveiling of the YES-T Project 5-F Initiative in Awka.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka noted that agriculture in Anambra is evolving beyond traditional methods, integrating technology, drones, digital markets, and biotechnology. Ihejiofor emphasized that sustainable empowerment comes from providing youths with skills, opportunities, and access to markets, allowing them to transform farming into profitable enterprises.
The Commissioner outlined key pillars of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Solution Agenda, including reducing post-harvest losses through improved road infrastructure, cold-chain storage, and enhanced agri-logistics to ensure that farm produce reaches markets and consumers efficiently. He also highlighted the establishment of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) and Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATCs) to integrate production, processing, and packaging within rural communities, creating jobs and adding value across commodities such as rice, cassava, fisheries, and vegetables.
Youth-centered initiatives remain a cornerstone of the state’s strategy. Programs like “1 Youth, 2 Skills” aim to expand access to mechanized farming, agritech hubs, cooperative credit facilities, and skill incubation, positioning young people as drivers of innovation in agriculture. Ihejiofor described food security as national security, urging youths to embrace agriculture as a viable and profitable career path. “Every seed we plant today safeguards tomorrow. Every skill we acquire today guarantees prosperity,” he said.
The YES-T Project 5-F Initiative, focusing on Furniture, Fashion, Fabrication, Food, and Farm, is designed to stimulate job creation, grassroots economic empowerment, and food security, reinforcing Anambra State’s broader strategy to integrate technology, enterprise, and innovation into agriculture.
Observers familiar with Anambra’s agricultural sector note that linking youth engagement with modern agritech solutions can be transformative, creating sustainable livelihoods while securing the state’s food systems.
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