As we celebrate this year’s International Youth Day, the theme we are considering is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”. The aim of the theme is to highlight the fact that the success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people.
Food System refers to all processes and infrastructures involved in feeding a population such as growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consumption, distribution and disposal of food and food-related items. It also includes the inputs needed and outputs generated at each of these steps. Food system is influenced by social, political, economic, and environmental contexts. It also requires human resources that provide labour, research and education. Unfortunately, today, the global food system is facing a number of challenges created by climatic and non-climatic changes; and these global challenges can only be addressed by transitioning to sustainable food systems.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Agriculture remains the dominant source of youth employment (57%of 15 to 19 year olds) and even under the most optimistic scenarios, nonfarm and urban sectors are not expected to be able to absorb more than two-thirds of youth labor market entrants over the next decade. However, the agricultural sector is marked by informal, vulnerable and low-productive labour. Where about 90% of rural lands in our Country are uncultivated and highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to climate change and insecurity, hence, our youth do not seem to find the Agri-food sector attractive now or in the future. The traditional mode of farming is seen by our youth, to be associated with hard physical work, low wages, uncertainty and dirtiness. Rural areas lack the facilities that are offered in urban areas and young people prefer white-collar jobs in the cities. An agricultural sector that is transformed in a more stimulating environment with modern equipment and methods and reasonable returns would be more attractive to the Youth.
As catalysts of change and key stakeholders in the socioeconomic and political arena, young people are essential and key constituents in carrying out this transformational change. They possess the attitude, values and action needed to mobilize and impact their generation towards the desired change. They also have the qualities to renew, refresh and maintain any course that interests them. They have the knowledge to advance technology, education, politics and peace. Young people are full of energy and hold tightly to rationality as ultimate belief. This is despite challenges confronting them such as poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, insecurity among others.
I urge our youth to:
Protect our culture and tradition while at the same time making it better and embrace changes in the society.
Pursue the growth of our Country in all the spheres socially, politically and economically.
Seek and access information through the social media and ICT platforms on how to improve and make the Agri-food sector more attractive.
The Lagos State Government under the able leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will continue to come up with programmes that will benefit the Youth in the Agric Food Sector and generally. And also collaborate with stakeholders in the Food System sector to work with the youth in addressing and facilitating:
Youth accessibility to land;
Youth accessibility to and the use of new technologies to develop knowledge, skills and talent of youth to further food security and nutrition;
Youth accessibility to financial services;
Youth accessibility to green jobs;
Youth accessibility to agribusiness market; and
Youth participation in policy dialogue.
Finally, I commend our Youth for maintaining peace this year 2021, and I implore you to continue working with us to successfully implement the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the State Government for a better future as we move Lagos State towards becoming the SMART CITY of our dream . Together, we can create a life of dignity for all. I wish you all a very Happy International Youth Day.
Thank you and God Bless.
Igbega Ipile Eko……. Ajumo Se Ni
Olusegun Dawodu
Honourable Commissioner
Ministry of Youth and Social Development
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