The Nigerian Society of Engineers has signed Memoranda of Understanding with two Nigerian agripreneur firms to promote the establishment of demonstration farms across the country.
The NSE stated that the agreements align with its rebirth agenda to enhance food security and create jobs for Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the society explained that these partnerships are part of its strategic efforts to address agricultural challenges in Nigeria, as outlined during its ongoing international conference.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, NSE President Margaret Oguntala noted that the programme would not only create job opportunities but also benefit all parties involved.
The agreements, signed with Integrated Lancaster Farms and Assetrise Limited, aim to introduce innovative technologies to tackle Nigeria’s food insecurity.
Oguntala emphasised the society’s commitment to fulfilling its objectives as outlined in its strategic agenda.
“We expect this collaboration to be mutually beneficial,
enhancing NSE’s activities while improving your businesses. Ultimately, it’s all in the interest of our members,” she stated.
She added that the initiative is geared towards the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, aligning with the theme of this year’s NSE annual conference.
The Group Managing Director of Assetrise Limited, Oluwadurotimi Ojamamoye, revealed that the programme would include an incubation hub to help graduates transition to owning their farms.
At the Federal University of Agriculture, he said, the firm had been allotted 100 hectares of land for cultivating millions of yam tubers, with plans to expand to 1,000 hectares.
“So, as students graduate, they can each cultivate one hectare, empowering themselves. This programme aims to support 1,500 students, and the NSE is collaborating with us to achieve this,” Ojamamoye said.
He also highlighted the company’s achievements in Lagos State, where it operates the state’s largest farm.
“Despite the assumption that Lagos lacks arable land, we cultivated over a million yam tubers in Epe in 2023. This year, we are on track to deliver nearly 3 million tubers, alongside a Smart City project involving 3,000 hectares,” he added.
Patrick Obidoyin, Co-founder of Integrated Lancaster Farms, noted that the partnership aims to empower youth and reduce unemployment.
“Nigeria has all the resources required to move from food production deficits to surpluses,” Obidoyin stated, expressing optimism about a productive relationship with the NSE and other stakeholders.