The First Lady of Adamawa, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, on Wednesday flagged off a two-day capacity-building workshop for women, youth, and young farmers in the state.
The programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), is in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative and in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Adamawa and the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Yola, the First Lady, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Neido Geoffrey Kofulto, said the theme of the programme, “Catch Them Young,” aims to empower the next generation with knowledge and tools to embrace agriculture.
“When we invest in women and youth, we invest in the future of our nation,” she said.
Kofulto said the programme targets junior secondary school students, youth, and women to spark interest in agriculture, which she described as a key driver of food security, employment, and innovation.
She stressed that modern agriculture integrates technology such as precision farming, drones, and mobile applications, offering vast opportunities for young people.
The commissioner also noted that women play a vital role in farming and rural development, adding that their inclusion was crucial for building resilient communities.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Edgar Sunday Amos, who represented the Commissioner, Prof. David Jatau Finchuwa, said the agricultural sector is deeply rooted in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
She urged young people to explore careers in agricultural engineering, research, animal husbandry, and policy development.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Iliya James, commended the First Lady for championing empowerment programmes and pledged the ministry’s support for wide dissemination and sustainability of the initiative.
Highlights of the event included a presentation by Prof. Dishi Khobe on “Young Farmers’ Club: Enhancing Food Security” and a lecture by Dr Ibrahim Bayaso on “Technology in Agriculture: Leveraging Digital Tools for Farm Productivity.”
There were also cultural performances by the Adamawa State Arts Council and local artists celebrating agriculture and community development.
The First Lady expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, especially the First Lady of the Federation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, for extending the initiative to all 36 states and the FCT.
