A 400-Level student of the Department of Animal Nutrition (ANN), College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Miss Esther Abisola Akinade, has been appointed into the Steering Committee of the newly initiated Young Farmers in Nigeria (YoFiN), a key outcome of the just-concluded National Young People’s Dialogue on Inclusive Food Systems held from May 13 to 15, 2025, in Abuja. Others who participated at the National Dialogue were Iyiola, Ayomide Peter, 400L student of the Department of Crop Protection (CPT), College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) and Jacobs, Oluwalonimi Irene, a 500Level student of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (AERD), College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD).

The high-impact training and dialogue programme, organised by ActionAid Nigeria and funded by GIZ, was part of the Inclusive Food Systems Project aimed at empowering Nigerian youth for effective participation in agricultural policymaking and enterprise. Miss Akinade, a practicing farmer and an active member of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN), made the University proud by emerging as one of the few young leaders selected nationwide to shape the future of youth-led agriculture initiatives through YoFiN. In the same vein, Mr Iyiola emerged as the Ogun State Coordinator for YoFiN.

Held at Dennis Hotel, Abuja, the Three-Day event focused on equipping participants with policy advocacy tools, cooperative formation strategies, and innovative engagement techniques to address the challenges faced by youth in the agricultural sector, including limited access to finance, insurance, land, and support systems.

Participants, including Miss Akinade, benefited from a series of technical sessions. Day One featured lectures on advocacy and policy formulation, networking, coalition building, cooperative dynamics, and strategies for influencing food systems policies. Notable facilitators included ActionAid Nigeria’s Food and Agriculture Adviser, Blessing Akhile; Dr. Dickson Okolo; and Mr. Azubike Nwokoye.

ADVERTISEMENT

On Day Two, discussions revolved around the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), Movement Mindset for advocacy, judicial reforms, and agroecology practices. Experiences shared by the young agripreneurs further enriched the dialogue, sparking motivation and peer-to-peer learning.

The grand finale on May 15 brought together key dignitaries from the Nigerian Senate and Federal Ministries, who engaged directly with the youth participants to hear their perspectives and policy recommendations. The event climaxed with the launching of YoFiN.

FUNAAB’s representation at such a national platform has reinforced the University’s role as a breeding ground for young changemakers in agriculture and policy. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde has lauded Miss Akinade’s achievement, noting that her selection into the YoFiN Steering Committee was a testament to the University’s commitment to nurturing students who lead from the front.