In a strategic effort to bolster food security and stimulate agricultural development in Edo State, the coordinator of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise (LIFE-ND), Mr. John Omoruyi, announced on Wednesday that the program is expanding its outreach to primary and secondary schools across the region.
This initiative aims to instill an appreciation for agriculture among the youth, laying the groundwork for future economic growth.
Omoruyi emphasized that this campaign aligns with the agricultural policy objectives set forth by Governor Monday Okpebholo. The initiative particularly focuses on engaging young people at the grassroots level to ensure a sustainable farming community.
As part of the project, the establishment of agricultural clubs in schools will be a key component. The initiative also aims to plant 20,000 economic trees through participation from secondary schools.
“In conjunction with the ideology and objective of Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure food security, we need to start from the grassroots because it is a community-based project. Moreover, it helps ensure that the farming population is sustained by catching them young,” Omoruyi stated.
He further detailed that the project plans to deploy 2,000 economic trees per participating school, which collectively would meet the target of 20,000 trees. This effort is expected to bolster forestry and environmental management, aligning with the Edo State government’s commitment to enhancing food security and agricultural development.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Romanius Alike, the LIFE-ND Nutrition Mainstreaming Specialist, expressed concern over the declining interest in agriculture among youth. He noted that the initiative aims to reshape perceptions of agricultural careers through direct engagement in schools.
“To change that narrative, we are targeting students from Junior Secondary School 1 to Senior Secondary School 3 across five public institutions in the state,” Alike said.
He highlighted the program’s inaugural efforts, which have begun at Uzebba Grammar School in Owan local government area; Arazuwa Primary School in Ovia North East local government area; Oghomeri Primary School in Etsako Central local government area; Comprehensive High School, Ekpedo in Akoko Edo local government, and Igbanke Grammar School in Orhionmwon local government area of the state
The initiative aims to involve 72 students per school, totaling 360 participants across the five selected schools. In collaboration with local farmers, the program will supply improved seedling stock to support the establishment of school gardens.
“The garden will serve as a demonstration plot for other students to learn from, and we have liaised with the director of school services to gain institutional support for the project,” Alike added.
