In a passionate appeal to Nigeria’s younger generation, Adebayo Adeleke, founder of Supply Chain Africa and Adebayo Adeleke LLC, has outlined a bold vision for tackling the country’s food security crisis. At the heart of his Nigerian Food Security Initiative is the mobilisation of youth, a demographic he believes is crucial to the nation’s agricultural future.
“One of my key initiatives is Nigerian food security, which has brought me to the forefront of engaging with our youth. I don’t think they fully grasp the importance of food security. It’s essential we bring this fight to them,” he said in an interview with The Guardian.
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Adeleke expressed his dismay at the current state of food prices, which have seen significant increases over the past six months. “It’s disheartening to see such a stark contrast between abundance and scarcity,” he said. “We aim to address these issues through our programme, starting with the University of Abuja, and eventually reaching many other universities to promote young agriculture.”
Highlighting that food security concerns go beyond mere agricultural practices, Adeleke stressed the need for comprehensive awareness. “Our goal is to shed light on the problem and allow those with solutions to step forward,” he noted. “While I outline the issues, it’s up to others to provide the answers.”
He pointed to the demographic challenge in farming, where the average age of farmers in some regions is around 52 years.
“Rural-urban migration has led many to cities like Abuja and Lagos, exacerbated by the naira’s devaluation,” he explained. “With fewer young people interested in farming, we face a human capital deficit in agriculture. The impact of banditry and terrorism further accelerates this trend.”
Adeleke emphasised the urgency of reversing this trend. “Few 25-year-olds are willing to move to rural areas like Igbo Ora, despite their agricultural potential. They prefer city life, which is a major challenge for us. By engaging students, we hope to change this mindset.”
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Addressing misconceptions about farming, Adeleke advocated for a diverse approach to food security. “Farming isn’t the only way to contribute,” he stated. “We need all hands on deck, including those interested in technology and other fields. Educating the youth on how they can play a role is vital.”
He drew a parallel between addressing food security and treating an illness. “Food security is a national security issue. We need to identify and address root causes, not just symptoms,” he said. “So far, we’ve been treating symptoms. Solving the core issues will make a significant difference.”
Adeleke’s initiative is already garnering support from various stakeholders, including those from Abuja, Lagos, and financial institutions. “This is just the beginning,” he affirmed. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck effort. The government cannot do it alone; collective action is necessary.”
Adeleke also underscored the indispensable role of youth in this endeavour. “Without the involvement of young Nigerians, we will merely be running in circles. They are the fighters who can drive us towards a secure food future.”
