This promise came from Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who shared the news in Benin during a meeting with the Association of Cocoa Farmers. Idahosa explained that some farmlands had been acquired through proxies, raising concerns about illegal land deals.

In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Friday Aghedo, the Deputy Governor emphasized that the government would follow due process in reclaiming the lands and returning them to their rightful owners. Idahosa commended cocoa farmers from Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East for their patience and law-abiding actions despite facing significant challenges.

Idahosa reiterated Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to supporting farmers, highlighting that their welfare remains a top priority. He pointed out that Governor Okpebholo is well aware of the crucial role farmers play in the socio-economic development of the state, as the governor campaigned in all 18 local government areas.

The Deputy Governor assured the farmers that their lands would remain secure as long as they continue paying taxes regularly to the state government. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to address and minimize farmer/herder conflicts, aiming to improve security across the state.

Earlier, cocoa farmers, led by Mr. Bello Osaretin, raised concerns about alleged illegal activities involving some civil servants from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The farmers claim these officials are working with Chinese nationals to sell the Ohosu and Okomu forest reserves. The farmers warned that over 40 major farming communities in Ovia South-West would face displacement if the government does not act quickly.

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The club was inaugurated at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the club, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Renewed Hope initiative (RHI), was designed to catch the youth early in the area of farming.

“The aim of the Young Farmers Club, Nigeria is to “catch them young” by making farming more appealing to our pupils and students. We are not just teaching them how to farm; we are also nurturing a generation that will transform our agricultural landscape, imbibe modern farming techniques, and ensure that Nigeria remains self-sufficient in food production, in line with the food security drive of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.

She said with the club spread across various schools in Nigeria, it would create the understanding that farming is not just an occupation but a way of life which can create employment opportunities for the teeming youth population and help diversify the economy.

“Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States of America and one of America’s Founding Fathers once said, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness. Agriculture has always been the backbone of our nation.

“From time past, we have tilled the land with our hands and hearts, to the present, where agriculture continues to be a crucial part of our daily lives and economy.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI is launching the Young Farmers Club, Nigeria with some pilot schools in the Federal Capital Territory to kick-start the club nationwide. We have chosen twelve (12) schools today, comprising pupils in upper primary schools and students in junior secondary schools.

“Therefore, interested schools nationwide should register with the First Ladies of their respective States. This registration will then be channeled to the Young Farmers Club desk Office at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in their various State for necessary provisions and support.

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“The club activities are to be further supported by the respective States once the allotted resources are expended,” she said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative would enhance the interest of the young in agriculture as a career.

He urged the newly inducted members to take pride in their choice of being members of the club as they represent an important group of people responsible for feeding Nigerians.

The Inductees, kitted in their club uniform, were administered the ledge by the minister, and presented with their membership cards and farming tools by the First lady.

The wife of the Governor of Kwara state, Dr Olufolake Abdulrazaq, received samples of the items on behalf of governors’ wives as the club is to be replicated in the 36 states of the federation.

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