Quick Summary:
Ogun State launched the AgriConnect Initiative to empower over 1,000 farmers with smart devices, free internet, and AI-powered agricultural tools.
The programme focuses on boosting productivity, market access, and sustainable growth while aligning with Nigeria’s national food security and rural inclusion goals.
AgriConnect is backed by Huawei, MTN Foundation, and OGFIMS, and aims to serve as a model for digital agriculture across Nigeria.
Leaders encouraged farmers to embrace digital tools as business assets, positioning them as entrepreneurs in the modern agricultural economy.
With a bold step toward digital agriculture, the Ogun State Government has launched the AgriConnect Initiative. The programme, developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, aims to empower farmers with digital tools to improve productivity, market access, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Digital Support for Over 1,000 Farmers
In the pilot phase, more than 1,000 farmers will receive smart mobile devices. These devices come preloaded with Huawei’s AI-powered agronomic tools and free internet data supported by MTN.
Through AgriConnect, farmers will gain real-time access to:
- Agronomy services
- Weather forecasts
- Pest control guidance
- Financial tools
- Market intelligence
This marks a major shift toward precision agriculture in Nigeria.
A Gateway to Opportunity
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the initiative as a “gateway to opportunity.” He explained that AgriConnect aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on food security and rural inclusion.
“These are not just gadgets; they are tools of transformation,” the governor said. “With this programme, we are boosting productivity, promoting efficiency, and strengthening the cassava value chain. Ogun State is proud to lead in cassava production and agricultural innovation.”
Backed by Strategic Partners
The initiative is supported by Huawei Technologies and the MTN Foundation. It also builds on the Ogun Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS)—a digital registry of over 160,000 farmers. Beneficiaries of AgriConnect were selected from this database to ensure proper targeting and smooth integration with Ogun’s ongoing digital agriculture efforts.
Driving Inclusive Growth
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized that AgriConnect shows how digital solutions can boost economic growth in rural areas.
“President Tinubu has set an ambitious goal of cultivating 500,000 hectares of land. But land and labour alone will not get us there. Productivity requires precision—and that is where innovation comes in,” Dr. Tijani said.
While Ogun State is the starting point, the long-term plan is to expand the AgriConnect model nationwide. The Minister stressed that the initiative is part of the Ministry’s mission to use technology to solve real-world problems by improving connectivity, data use, and scalable solutions.
Farmers as Digital Entrepreneurs
Hon. Bolu Owotomo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Ogun State, called AgriConnect a “significant milestone” in modernizing the state’s agricultural sector.
He encouraged farmers to view the digital tools not just as phones, but as powerful business assets.
“Our farmers are not just food producers—they are digital-era entrepreneurs,” he said.
Strong Support from Partners
Representatives from Huawei and the MTN Foundation, Mr. Femi Gao and Ms. Odunayo Sanya, pledged continued support for the programme. They urged farmers to fully embrace technology to drive agricultural transformation.
A New Chapter for Digital Agriculture
The launch event attracted several dignitaries, including:
- Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele
- Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu
- Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity
Through AgriConnect, Ogun State is not just distributing devices—it is laying the foundation for a smarter, more connected agricultural ecosystem. This initiative signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s push for food security, economic growth, and rural empowerment.
As the programme progresses, Ogun State is setting an example for other regions—proving that agriculture and technology can grow hand in hand.
