By Faridat Salifu,
Agriculture is increasingly being redefined among young Nigerians as a technology-driven business opportunity, with students in Lagos being encouraged to see the sector beyond traditional farming and as a pathway to innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth.
The shift was highlighted during the grand finale of AgriQuest, a secondary school agriculture competition organised by Paradise Dynamic Farms Limited under the theme, “NextGen Farmers: Redefining Agriculture,” where students from different schools across Lagos explored how modern agriculture can create jobs and wealth.
Experts at the event said the future of agriculture lies not only in crop production but in value chains such as food processing, cold storage, logistics, farm software development, solar-powered irrigation and drone technology.
Speaking at the event, keynote speaker and managing partner at Fair Consulting, Oluwafemi Adejare, said Nigeria’s large youth population could become a major driver of agricultural transformation if young people are equipped with the right innovation tools and skills.
He noted that with millions already dependent on agriculture for livelihoods, attracting younger generations into the sector through technology and entrepreneurship could help tackle unemployment and strengthen national food security.
Participants said the programme changed their perception of agriculture, showing them that the sector offers wider career opportunities beyond conventional farming.
Organisers said initiatives that expose students early to agribusiness and innovation are critical to building the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs capable of driving Nigeria’s food system transformation.
