The founder and chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola (SAN), has urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to embrace farming as a noble vocation.

Mr Babalola made the call at the grand finale of his annual Agricultural Expo on Saturday at the university’s premises in Ado-Ekiti.

The 32 youths and women, two from each of the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, were empowered during the event.

The beneficiaries were trained in plantain chips production, packaging and marketing and were also provided with the necessary tools for production.

Mr Babalola said he started the expo in 2015 to promote agriculture as a noble profession after observing that many Nigerians had abandoned farming.

He expressed concern that many Nigerians now depended on government palliatives rather than engaging in productive ventures.

Mr Babalola recalled that Nigeria was once the world’s largest producer of palm oil and second-largest producer of cocoa but said cocoa production had now declined significantly.

He said N11.2 million in prizes had been given to farmers who participated in the agricultural expo, urging the winners to invest the money wisely.

Mr Babalola also announced plans to establish a farmers’ house in the state.

The Oore of Orun, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers’ present, prayed for long life for the founder.

The chairman of the local organising committee, Abiodun Ojo, urged the beneficiaries to see the empowerment not merely as a gift but as a responsibility. 

(NAN)