Tinubu flags off mechanisation programme, says farming will be ‘sexy’ to youths

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off an agricultural mechanisation programme under his administration’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda.

Speaking on Monday at the launch of the programme in Abuja, Tinubu said the deployment of modern agricultural equipment across the country will make farming easier and more attractive to young Nigerians.

The president said boosting productivity in the sector is essential for national stability and food sovereignty.

He said his administration is determined to position Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse, while ensuring food security for all citizens.

“We envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse, supplying quality produce to international markets while ensuring every citizen has access to affordable nutrition food,” Tinubu said.

“That is why we took a bold decision to establish this renewed hope agricultural mechanisation programme.

“We have here over 2,000 advanced tractors, 50 industrial-grade land preparation bulldozers, 12 fully-equipped mobile workshops, 9,000 plus specialised farming implements.

“This equipment, when deployed, will empower mechanisation and service providers, create job opportunities, make farming easy and more sexy to our young ones.

“You don’t have to use 18th century method for a 21st century agricultural farming.”

Tinubu said his administration’s strategy focuses on year-round cultivation, which would help reduce Nigeria’s vulnerability to seasonal shortages.

Nigeria, according to the politician, is partnering with countries like Belarus to provide training for young people in modern agriculture, technology, machine repairs, and fabrication.

“We have friends across the world. We have Belarus committed to a programme that will empower our youth, teach them how to do things, get them off the streets, empower them in technology, review mechanisation, empower them in machine repairs and fabrications,” he said.

“The allocation of this equipment throughout the country, will do a lot. To give our nation’s abundant arable land and favourable climate that we have, we must seize the opportunity to achieve complete agricultural independence and food sovereignty.”

The president urged stakeholders to ensure the efficient deployment of the equipment, adding that the government will supervise operations and hold beneficiaries accountable.

“Let history recall this day as the beginning of a Nigerian agricultural renaissance, where modern technology meets our farmers’ legendary resilience to create unprecedented prosperity,” the politician added.

He also commended the federal ministry of agriculture and food security for its proactive efforts in “tackling the food crisis and ensuring stability” in the system.