By Salihu Ndahi, Maiduguri
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, has applauded the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for introducing the Agri360 Mechanization Training Initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s agriculture and the empowerment of women and young people.
The First Lady spoke on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the National Colloquium on the Role of Women and Youth in Advancing Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria and the unveiling of the Agri360 Mechanization Training Initiative, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
Represented at the event by the wife of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that the initiative would build the capacity of five thousand (5,000) women and young people in agricultural mechanization, digital agriculture, equipment operation and maintenance, entrepreneurship and agribusiness management.
This was disclosed by Mrs Kwapchi Bata Hamman (JP), Special Assistant on Media and ICT Office of the Vice President on Wednesday.
The First Lady said the initiative was particularly significant because the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector depended largely on empowering the country’s vibrant youth and resourceful women with the skills, tools and opportunities required to participate meaningfully in modern agriculture.
According to her “agricultural mechanization would enhance traditional farming methods by increasing productivity, reducing the physical burden associated with farming and making agriculture more attractive to young Nigerians”.
She further noted that mechanization would create opportunities beyond farming itself including equipment operation and maintenance, agricultural processing, logistics, technology and other areas across the agricultural value chain.
The First Lady observed that young Nigerians were already redefining the agricultural landscape through the adoption of digital technologies, precision farming, artificial intelligence, drones and other innovative approaches.
She said: “They no longer see agriculture as subsistence; they see it as a huge opportunity, an enterprise and a career path to prosperity.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also emphasized the importance of creating greater opportunities for women in agriculture noting that when women acquire the skills and resources to earn incomes and grow their businesses, the benefits extend beyond them to their families and communities.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said mechanization provides modern farming machinery and agricultural equipment which eases production and reduces the physical strength associated with farming, and the Agri360 initiative targets the process from land preparation to value addition ensuring farmers have access to water and machinery.
The minister emphasized that there is a shift from conversation to action with agriculture as an economic enterprise changing the lives of farmers in Nigeria which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who identifies agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, food security and job creation.
Captain Tractors India, one of the partners of the initiative with 32 years of experience in mini and small tractors having presence in 90 countries, said under Agri360 the company is deploying 50 tractors to each state of the country and will train as well as monitor farmers in modern farming. The company will also train youths in engineering and mechanics to handle the equipment.
Mr. Sunish Kshitijbhai, Director and co-owner of the company, revealed Captain Tractors has customized the mini tractors coming to Nigeria as “MANOMA.”
The event featured goodwill messages from the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi,Engineer Patricia Stan-Dioka of Mela-Chiyoma Pat Limited one of the partners of the initiative,the Governors of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Lagos Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as well as other stakeholders.
The National Colloquium highlights the critical role of agriculture in Nigeria’s economy while identifying low mechanization, limited access to finance, inadequate skills and infrastructure and the exclusion of women and youth as major barriers to agricultural productivity. It emphasizes that greater access to mechanization can reduce drudgery, create employment, attract young people to agriculture, empower women and improve food security.
Against this backdrop, the National Colloquium on the Role of Women and Youth in Agricultural Mechanization is proposed to promote inclusive participation, share experiences and unveil the Agri360 Mechanization Training Initiative to build the capacity of women and youth for sustainable agricultural development.
