Alagbagba, Olodo, Odeda LG, Ogun State – The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW), Ogun State Council, a leading indigenous socio-cultural youth group in Nigeria, has demonstrated the capacity and potential of Yoruba youth in agricultural development with the successful flag-off of harvesting on its 26-hectare cassava farm. Located in Alagbagba, Olodo, Odeda Local Government, the project was co-funded by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OG-STEP) (Agric).
The ambitious agricultural initiative, spearheaded by the YCYW State Chairman, Omoluabi Adebowale Sunday, exemplifies quality and exemplary leadership. Adebowale expressed his deep passion for achieving food security in Ogun State, the South West region, and Nigeria as a whole. He affirmed that with effective support from government and other stakeholders, Nigerian youth, particularly in the South West, would be encouraged to embrace farming and take pride in being called farmers.
Omoluabi Adebowale credited the project’s success to the crucial support and funds received from the Ogun State Government through the OG-STEP (Agric) program. He emphasized that the funds from OG-STEP served as the primary catalyst, enhancing the capacity of their members and sustaining their willingness to overcome the storms and challenges encountered throughout the farming season. He acknowledged that working collaboratively as a group in a farming venture presents multi-faceted challenges, requiring patience from leaders and robust internal conflict management mechanisms to remain afloat.
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the YCYW farmers gathered on the farm to flag-off their harvesting. Present at the farm was the renowned “Queen Farmer,” Dr. Angel Adelaja, who traveled several miles, navigating a forest-like road, to witness the achievements of the youth farmers. Upon arrival, she commended the farmers for their excellent farm production. Dr. Adelaja delivered goodwill messages from His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State Governor), and the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, on behalf of the Ogun State Government and Ministry of Agriculture. She lauded the farmers for their success, particularly noting that each harvested plant weighed above 3kg.
She encouraged them to remain committed to agricultural production, assuring them of future support, as they have established a strong track record and proven themselves ready for agribusiness.
Also in attendance was a delegation from the VCDF Service Provider for the OG-STEP, OKD Agro Services, led by Dr. Oyegbile and Mr. Ige Afelumo, along with their team. They assessed the harvest and expressed satisfaction with the high-quality farm management implemented by YCYW. They affirmed that the Yoruba youth farmers group is one of the most successful beneficiaries under the OG-STEP program, commending their diligent and effective utilization of the resources provided to them.
Furthermore, one of the prominent Youth Farmers Leaders in Ogun State, Ade-Daniel, who has been closely involved with the group from the project’s ideation stage, was present to flag-off the harvest. He has been instrumental to the success of the group project, working closely with the team to provide on-the-field practical consultancy services, reviewing their milestones, and offering guidance at each phase. He encouraged the group to expedite their harvesting to facilitate replanting within the current farming season, emphasizing the importance of consistency and continuity in agricultural production.
Group Leader Hon. Femi Onadeko expressed appreciation to the state government for their support and extended gratitude to Senator (Aremo) Olamilekan Solomon YAYI for his logistic support, which enhanced farm activities through the provision of a truck tricycle to the farmers’ group. He highlighted that the truck has significantly reduced their harvesting costs by 50%, increased productivity, and boosted profitability.
The Baale of Alagbagba, Chief Sodiya Ashiwaju, also commended the state government for encouraging the youth and affirmed the community’s readiness to collaborate with the state government to enhance local production and stimulate economic growth. He further emphasized that rural road and infrastructure development are crucial for achieving more successes of this nature, assuring the state government that the people of Alagbagba look forward to more collaborative and productive activities.
The YCYW Ogun Farmers expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty for the recorded success on their farm and extended sincere appreciation to:
* His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his visionary leadership and support for agriculture in Ogun State.
* Hon. Fola Salami, Member OGHA Ifo Constituency II, for his unwavering support and commitment.
* Dr. Angel Kuye-Adelaja, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, for her dedication to agricultural development in Ogun State.
* Aare (Bar) Oladotun Hassan, Esq, Global President YCW, for his leadership and guidance.
* Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, Member of the House of Representatives, Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, for his support and representation.
* Senator Olamilekan Adeola, YAYI, for his invaluable contribution.
* Hon. Bolu Owotomo (Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture), OKD/VCDF, Alhaji Bakai Okedara, Prof. Sanni Oladimeji, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire (OGSTEP PM), Dr. Oyegbile, Mr. Ige Afelumo, Mr. Babatunde, Comrade Ade Daniel, and all YCYW state executives, farmers, and members for their contributions and understanding.
Mr. Rilwan Sodiya Aka, RADO, for his unprecedented assistance and support over the years.
The YCYW Ogun Farmers expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a reality, emphasizing the invaluable nature of their support and contributions, and expressed anticipation for continued collaboration.
Long Live Ogun State! Long Live Nigeria!
Signed,
Hon. Sunday Adebowale
Chairman, YCYW Ogun Farmers
