By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Nigerian-Canadian, Hon. Oliver Okennah, has advocated for youth engagement in agriculture with a view to address food security and rising prices of commodities in the country.
Okennah, who is the founder of Mother Sussan Charity Foundation, stated this in a statement addressed to youth of Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State on their Egwu Alusi festival, a celebration ushering in new planting season and healthy living.
The 2024 NUJ Anambra State Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the year award winner equally used the occasion held between 5th to 9th March, 2026 to enjoin the youth to be cautious and courteous while engaging in cultural festivities.
"The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings and farming is a profession of hope. I have urged Ebenebe youths to embrace agricultural practices such as animal husbandry, crop plantation and others instead of idleness, a state of being inactive, unemployed or lazy, often characterized by a lack of effort or purpose," he stated.
According to Dikemba Ebenebe as he is fondly called, agriculture is the foundation to human civilization, wealth, and environmental harmony, as well as enhances food quality, safety, and sustainability.
"Ebenebe is known for food baskets of Awka North and Anambra state. We will continue to progress through the initiative of my foundation, Mother Sussan Charity Foundation in support of agricultural development in Ebenebe and Awka North which is known as EBENEBE FOOD SUFFICIENCY AND SURPLUS CAMPING INITIATIVE.
"We have distributed seedlings to encourage everyone to farm. This year will make it the 4th year of spreading the food surplus camping initiative. It is going to be huge and better and we also pray for a support and partnership to make ala igbo food sufficient," he stated.