As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the National Coordinator of the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI), Farmer Omolara Svensson, has delivered a powerful message of hope, courage and renewed determination to Nigerian women and young people working tirelessly to feed the nation.
In a goodwill message marking the anniversary, Svensson called on women farmers, young agricultural entrepreneurs and other Nigerians engaged in agribusiness not to surrender in the face of the numerous challenges confronting the sector.
Addressing women cultivating Nigeria’s fields, young people embracing agribusiness and farmers battling rising production costs, insecurity, limited access to finance and unpredictable markets, she declared:
According to her, the difficulties confronting farmers may be significant, but the contribution of women and youth to Nigeria’s agricultural development remains invaluable.
“Your labour is not in vain. Your dreams are valid, your contributions are invaluable, and your future matters,” she said.
Farmer Kafilat Busari svensson stressed that agriculture must be viewed beyond subsistence and survival, describing the sector as a critical pathway to economic independence, wealth creation, food security and national prosperity.
She reaffirmed NWAPDI’s commitment to ensuring that women and young people occupy a central position in the future of Nigerian agriculture.
“At NWAPDI, we believe that the future of Nigerian agriculture must include women and youth, not as spectators, but as leaders, innovators, employers and owners of thriving agricultural enterprises,” she stated.
She said Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary provides an opportunity to renew the nation’s commitment to building an agricultural sector in which hardworking farmers can gain meaningful access to opportunities, resources, markets and the support required to turn their efforts into sustainable livelihoods and successful enterprises.
The NWAPDI National Coordinator acknowledged the realities confronting farmers, including increasing production costs, insecurity, inadequate access to finance and uncertain markets, but urged women and youth farmers to remain steadfast.
“Our challenges may be great, but our determination must be greater. Our struggles may be real, but so is our hope for a better tomorrow,”** Svensson said.
She called for collective action to create an agricultural economy in which the aspirations of Nigerian women and youth can translate into productive enterprises, jobs, stronger communities and greater food security.
“Together, we shall continue to plant the seeds of opportunity, nurture the dreams of our women and youth, and harvest a future of shared prosperity,” she added.
Svensson further urged farmers and young agricultural entrepreneurs across the country to remain committed to their dreams despite the obstacles they face.
Her message was anchored on a simple but powerful call:
“Keep planting. Keep believing. Keep growing.”
She expressed confidence that a better Nigeria remains achievable through collective commitment, hard work, inclusion and sustained investment in the nation’s agricultural potential.
“The Nigeria we dream of is possible, and together, we can help build it,” she declared.
As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, Farmer Omolara Svensson extended her best wishes to Nigerian women, youth, farmers and all citizens, while reaffirming NWAPDI’s commitment to its guiding principle:
