I hate hunger, especially when it’s happening where people could and should be well-fed. That’s why I’ve deemed it fit to bring up this proposal. By the way, it doesn’t matter what anyone might think of my loyalty. I’m only loyal to the nation and humanity, and not to any particular individual.
If carried out, the proposal will transform rural Nigeria into hubs of innovation, productivity, and youth empowerment.
There’s no doubt that the nation faces a paradox: we have vast arable land and a youthful population. But we are faced with persistent food insecurity and youth unemployment. Urban migration to search for greener pastures continues to strain cities because there are no jobs. Where there are jobs, the youth face accommodation problems. Meanwhile, rural areas remain underdeveloped and unattractive to the young Nigerians.
The objectives of this proposal are to:
X Establish smart, self-sustaining farm estates in every state.
X Attract youth and professionals to agriculture through dignified, tech-enabled livelihoods.
X Boost national food production, reduce imports, and enhance exports.
X Create jobs, reduce poverty, and decongest urban centres.
The key components of this proposal are:
Component Description
Smart housing: Eco-friendly homes with solar power, water systems, and sanitation
Digital infrastructure: High-speed internet, mobile connectivity, and digital literacy hubs.
Agri-tech facilities: Mechanized farms, greenhouses, irrigation, and precision farming tools.
Education and training: Vocational centres, agri-business incubators, and extension services.
Healthcare and Wellness: Clinics, telemedicine, clean water, and nutrition programs.
Recreation and Culture: Clubhouses, sports facilities, and community centres.
Logistics and Market Cold chains, storage, processing units, and transport links to airports and ports.
Access
The project could be divided into 2 phases. The first phase could be for two years, and the second could be three years.
The first phase would be the pilot stage, where there would be an estate for each state. Each state would give 1,000 hectares of land, targeting 1,000 youth per state.
In the second phase, each local government would be involved.
The federal government, state governments and local governments would be in control. Public-private partnerships and community cooperatives will also be encouraged to take part.
The authorities could use Israel’s kibburtzim, China’s rural revitalization zones, and Rwanda’s model villages as global examples. Looking inwards, Ogun state did something similar during the tenure of a former governor.
When urban amenities are brought to rural areas, it would be a game-changer. Farming is made aspirational, and youths are given a reason to stay in rural areas.
Imagine living in a clean, green estate where the children attend modern schools, you work remotely or run a farm shop, access to healthcare, recreation, and reliable power are provided, and you grow food, build wealth, and live with pride.
Nigeria, as a nation, is facing food insecurity, youth unemployment, and urban overcrowding. This proposal, with some modifications, may be part of the answer. It could lead to a triple win:
X jobs for the youth
X food for the nation
X hope for rural communities
So, where does the nation get funds to finance this project? I’m sure the AfDB, IFAD, and the World Bank would be delighted to finance the project. Nigerians abroad could also fund farm estates in their home states. Green infrastructure and sustainable farming also attract global climate financing.
If done, Nigeria will be able to unlock its rural potential, ensure food security, and build a more inclusive and resilient economy.
But nothing can be done without adequate security!
@ as 102525
