The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has challenged youths of the state to make themselves available for the opportunities being created by the state government in the agriculture sector and its value chains.

This, he said, would break the cycle of poverty and improve the economy of the state.

He made the call while commissioning the Owowo Model Farm, located at Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.

The farm was established to provide gainful employment for young farmers who are willing to make careers in the agricultural sector.

While restating his administration’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to develop agriculture, he promised to provide the much needed enabling environment for investment in the sector.

The Owowo Farm Settlement was initiated also as a way of reducing the quest for white collar jobs among the teeming population of the youths in the state.

A total of 400 young farmers already occupied the farm centre and their products were on display as the Governor maintained that agriculture remains the way to go.

Some of the young farmers shared their experiences, and they were filled with success stories of improved means of livelihood and pride of being self-employed in the face of the challenges in the labour market.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly stated its mission to diversify the nation’s economy from being oil-dependent.

Agriculture and solid minerals have been identified as more promising sectors through which the Nigerian economy can be sustained.