The Oyo State Government has encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace digital technology to transform agriculture into a more profitable, innovative and globally competitive sector.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology at the University of Ibadan, the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Bureau of ICT and Digital Innovation, Mrs Raheemat Adabanija, said tools such as artificial intelligence, robotics, big data and the Internet of Things are reshaping modern farming and creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
She urged youths to take advantage of mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, precision farming and social media to improve production, access wider markets and compete beyond Nigeria. Other speakers at the event stressed that technology is helping farmers increase productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains and create more jobs.
The seminar also highlighted stronger collaboration between government, universities and development partners to equip young people with practical agribusiness skills. Several new facilities, including a solar-powered cold room for yam seed storage, upgraded laboratories and other research infrastructure, were inaugurated to support teaching, innovation and agricultural development.
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