The Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to embrace farming as a noble vocation.
Babalola made the call at the grand finale of his annual Agricultural Expo held on Saturday at the university’s premises in Ado-Ekiti.
Thirty-two youths and women — two from each of the 16 Local Government Areas of the state — were empowered during the event. The beneficiaries received training in plantain chips production, packaging and marketing, and were also provided with the necessary tools for production.
Babalola said he started the expo in 2015 to promote agriculture as a noble profession after observing that many Nigerians had abandoned farming. He expressed concern that many citizens now depend on government palliatives rather than engaging in productive ventures.
He recalled that Nigeria was once the world’s largest producer of palm oil and the second-largest producer of cocoa, but noted that cocoa production has declined significantly.
Babalola disclosed that N11.2 million in prizes had been given to farmers who participated in the agricultural expo, and urged the winners to invest the money wisely. He also announced plans to establish a farmers’ house in the state.
The Oore of Orun, Oba (Dr) Adekunle Adeagbo, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers present, prayed for long life for the founder.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, urged the beneficiaries to see the empowerment not merely as a gift but as a responsibility.
