Women, youth inclusion critical to food security

Mrs. Omolara Svensson, Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Agriculture on Women and Youth in Agricultural Innovation, has reaffirmed her commitment to achieving full inclusion of women and youth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

She emphasized that this initiative is pivotal to ensuring national food security and driving sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of the new executive officers of the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative, NWAPDI, on Tuesday in Abuja, Svensson highlighted the transformative potential of women and youth in agriculture.

A former National Coordinator of NWAPDI, she referred to agriculture as Africa’s and the world’s next “oil well”, underscoring the importance of investing in young people and women for long-term development.

Svensson stated that her primary responsibility is to ensure that agricultural resources from the ministry reach women and youth farmers at the grassroots.

She described her appointment as a reflection of the federal government’s deliberate efforts to bring meaningful change to the agricultural sector under the current administration.

“The Federal Government already has a comprehensive agricultural blueprint for the year,” she said. “While efforts have been made to engage real farmers, I will work to ensure that women and youth are fully included in all agricultural programs. I intend to introduce innovative ideas that align with the administration’s mandate and contribute significantly to national food security.”

Praising the Minister of State—an agri-economist with a clear vision—Svensson expressed confidence in the ministry’s direction and the ease of executing her mandate with strong leadership in place.

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Calling women “natural goal-getters,” she encouraged them to avoid vices such as jealousy and envy, which have historically hindered women’s collective advancement.

She stressed the importance of unity, collaboration, and integrity among members of the organisation, noting that these values would serve as positive examples for younger generations.

“We are in the process of restructuring our society and, by extension, the nation,” she added. “Food security has been identified as a key priority by the current administration, and the government is working tirelessly to meet this goal.”

Svensson commended the administration’s strategic approach to agricultural sustainability and reiterated that genuine progress cannot be made without representatives who understand the realities of those they serve.

“This is not about politics; it’s about meaningful representation. To effectively support women, you must appoint someone who understands them.”

Mrs. Lucy Pam, Deputy Coordinator of NWAPDI, praised Svensson’s leadership and dedication to ensuring that women and youth receive the support they deserve. She pledged her commitment to delivering results in her new role.

Echoing this sentiment, Mrs. Anyamus Magit, Plateau State Coordinator, highlighted the significance of Svensson’s appointment.

She noted that 80% of Nigerians are involved in farming, with women and youth comprising approximately 70% of that figure.

She described the appointment as a step in the right direction toward unlocking the agricultural sector’s full potential for national development.

NAN