The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, has called for increased participation of young people in practical agriculture.

Offor made this known while hosting members of the Niger Delta Food Security Summit Organising Committee at the Ministry’s Conference Room.

She highlighted the support of Governor Umo Eno in providing improved farm inputs, financing, and training programmes aimed at boosting food sufficiency.

According to her, these initiatives have made the agricultural sector more attractive to young people.

She noted that farming is an interesting and profitable occupation and youths are encouraged to participate in it.

The Commissioner also assured the committee of the Ministry’s support for the annual summit.

Speaking earlier, the Team Lead of the Niger Delta Food Security Summit Organising Committee, Engr. Robert Emmanuel, explained that the summit was conceived to address issues in access to agricultural funding.

He added that the summit, which will be held later this year in Akwa Ibom State, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, will also focus on sensitising youths to explore opportunities in agriculture.

According to Emmanuel, the summit is expected to become an annual event aimed at delivering practical and productive outcomes for the Niger Delta region.