The African Agricultural Leadership Institute (AALI) is an independent, non-profit international institute whose key vision is to advance leadership in African agriculture and provide holistic mentorship for upcoming leaders in the agricultural transformation space. It recently commemorated International Youth Day with youths, dignitaries, and corps members at the International Conference Center of the University of Ibadan on 16 August.
The event aimed to spark interest in the youth to start profitable agriculture activities that will yield economic productivity in Nigeria and Africa. AALI is operational in three African countries—Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria. AALI Youth Empowerment Director Dolapo Ogunsola said, “Beyond empowering youths to love and take up profitable agricultural ventures, we are influencing the governors, presidents, and policymakers to drive the transformation of African agriculture.”
The event hosted representatives from the Oyo State Government, banks, private business owners, and investors. The private business owners shared their business journey, successes, and challenges with the youth audience, challenging them to “get their feet in the waters” and get their hands busy with what they love doing. Ibasket Founder Tubi Ibukunoluwa said, “Youths should see themselves as leaders who can make impact from their various circles of influence.”
Adebowale Akande, IITA Business Incubation Platform CEO and Executive Adviser on Agribusiness to the Oyo State Governor, motivated the youth with a compelling story of dedication, resilience, and vision that positioned him to wear the many hats of leadership in the agricultural space, governance, and socio-economic development. His story spurred and challenged participants to make renewed commitments to do everything to be successful in agribusiness.
Responding to the impression the AALI event left on the youths, Uwak Mfon Udouwak, an IITA corps member, said, “I learned that we youths have to do more to be successful. We must rack up soft skills to boost our relevance in different spaces. I advise my fellow youths to sign up for courses online and rack up experiences that will make them stand out among their peers.”
AALI’s Youth Brigade in DR Congo is responsible for extending agricultural technologies to end-users, especially those in rural areas. In Nigeria, the second arm of the Youth Brigade, the Youth Champions, focuses on youth in agribusiness who can contribute to policy and become a voice for other youths to venture into agriculture and sustainable development of the nation. The event also allowed AALI to partner with banks, governments, and private sector actors. Furthermore, AALI promises to build on these budding partnerships to facilitate the empowerment of youths in the agricultural sector.
Contributed by Folake Oduntan
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