The just-concluded Agricultural Training Summit, organized by Naija Youths for Education and Advocacy (NYEA) and proudly supported by Slow Food International, marked a significant milestone in bridging the gaps between agriculture, education, and the environment.
The summit which held on September 5, KAAF Auditorium, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Ibadan, brought together over 200 participants, including educators, students, farmers, and government representatives, to explore the multifaceted roles of agriculture in our society.
According to spokesperson of Naija Youths for Education and Advocacy, Olajumoke Adedeji, the summit featured a dynamic 5-man panel session that addressed the critical synergy between agriculture, education, and environmental sustainability.
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The esteemed panel included Prince David Adeoye, Executive Director of OAK NATION ENTREPRENEURIAL (ONE) Foundation; Mr. Afolabi of the International School Ibadan, an expert in both farming and agricultural education; Mr. Oyaniyi of Estate High School, an agricultural science educator; Dr. Shirley Ejoh, Director of Kids Nutri-garden Vacation School; and Ms. Oreoluwa Oyewale, a student of Crop Production and Soil Science at LAUTECH. Their insights fostered robust discussions on how these sectors can collaborate to create sustainable and innovative solutions.
The highlight of the event was the keynote speech delivered by distinguished speaker, Dr Shirley Ejoh whose profound words resonated deeply with attendees. One notable quote, “Everything grows in the garden; even YOU,” encapsulated the summit’s core message and emphasized that the garden is not just a space for growing food but a metaphor for personal and collective growth.
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The summit was further distinguished by the presence of key dignitaries, including a representative from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Honorable Commissioner for Education, whose support underscores the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural education. The event was also graced by influential figures such as Mr. Olabode Adedeji, the Programs Director/Coordinator, NYEA, Mr. Adebayo Wasiu, the Logistics Manager, and virtually by Mr. Ogunniyi Akinade, Ag. Coordinator of the Slow Food Youth Network (SFYN) Nigeria.
Participants engaged in a variety of enriching activities throughout the day, from virtual presentations by Mrs. Dorcas Kofoworola on maximizing school gardens, to practical workshops led by Mr. Opeolu Olusesi and Ms. Florence Adejole, who provided hands-on training in urban and vegetable gardening techniques.
The event, which lasted for 6 hours, left a lasting impression as attendees eagerly stayed until the end, actively participating and learning.
The summit also distributed valuable resources, including a garden handbook for educators from the “10,000 Gardens in Africa” project by Slow Food, seeds, seedlings, and other materials.
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This was made possible through the generous support of Slow Food International, Rotaract Oyo under the leadership of Ms. Olusoji Busayo, Kids Nutri-Gardens Vacation School and the Association of Nutrition Science Students, University of Ibadan, whose contributions were instrumental to the summit’s success.
Project Green Futures, an initiative of Naija Youths for Education and Advocacy, was proudly recognized as a winning proposal and funded project by Slow Food International. And this event is one of the project goals towards building a community of individuals that understands the importance of gardens for food security, sustainability and encouraging biodiversity. It also exemplified the collaborative efforts of volunteers from the Slow Food Youth Network, Nigeria, and NYEA, led by spokesperson Olajumoke Racheal Adedeji and supported by a dedicated team.
NYEA extend heartfelt gratitude to all participants, partners, and volunteers who made this summit a remarkable success. The insights and experiences shared will undoubtedly drive continued progress in agricultural education and community engagement.
