The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW) on Wednesday, 18th June 2025, paid a strategic working visit to the Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), Engr. Adedeji Ashiru, FNSE, at the Authority’s Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The high-level meeting centered around building synergy for sustainable agricultural development and youth empowerment across the Southwest geopolitical zone, with a strong focus on food security, employment creation, and rural productivity.
The YCYW delegation was led by its National Deputy Coordinator, Hon. Sunday Adebowale, representing the National Coordinator, Asoju Ọdọ Alawode Rahmon Akintunde. In his remarks, Adebowale called for inclusive agricultural policies that prioritize youth participation and technological innovation. He lamented the historic sidelining of youth voices in policy-making and stressed the urgent need to integrate modern digital tools into Nigeria’s agricultural systems.
According to him, “Nigerian youths are no longer bystanders—we are key stakeholders and innovators in the agricultural value chain. There is hunger in the land, but with access to land, mechanization, and targeted investment in youth capacity, we can transform agriculture into a cornerstone of national prosperity.”
He also highlighted the remarkable progress of the YCYW’s Youth Farmers Program, currently ongoing in Ogun State, and expressed appreciation for the Ogun State Government’s continued support.
In a significant show of partnership and practical support, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru and the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority generously donated essential agricultural equipment to the Council. The donated items include: One Power Tiller, Automatic Knapsack Power Spraying Machine, Irrigation Equipment, Tomatoes Drip Irrigation Materials
These materials are expected to boost the productivity of youth-led farm clusters under the YCYW’s agric-cooperative initiative across Yorubaland.
Engr. Ashiru expressed deep appreciation for the Council’s initiative and reaffirmed OORBDA’s readiness to partner with the YCYW to reposition young Nigerians as leaders in the country’s agricultural revolution, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We must reimagine agricultural extension services with youths not just included, but leading the process,” Ashiru stated. “We are ready to provide ongoing support, training, mechanization, and greenhouse technology solutions for young farmers across the Southwest.”
The Council also used the opportunity to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Angel Adelaja-Kuye, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Agriculture and Special Duties. Her impactful role in promoting youth-led agribusiness and driving collaboration between stakeholders was applauded by all in attendance.
The visit marks another milestone in YCYW’s mission to place Nigerian youths at the heart of agricultural development. With continued collaboration, the Council aims to bridge the gap between traditional agricultural systems and the untapped potential of Nigeria’s dynamic youth population.
