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Nigerian business tycoon and Chairman of Access Holdings Plc Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has called on Nigerian policymakers, universities, and graduates to rethink agriculture not just as farming, but as a system capable of driving sustainable employment, economic growth, and national resilience.
Speaking at the 33rd Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Aig-Imoukhuede described agriculture as a “coordinated, system-driven engine of work” capable of transforming Nigeria’s labor market. “Agriculture is not merely about planting crops,” he said. “It spans science, engineering, logistics, finance, technology, regulation, and trade. No other sector can simultaneously create jobs across skill levels, bridge rural-urban divides, and strengthen food security.”
Referencing both biblical and global lessons, the business mogul highlighted the story of Joseph in Egypt and Brazil’s agricultural revolution as examples of how strategic planning and systemic management can unlock a nation’s potential.
“Nigeria is rich in arable land, human capital, and a domestic market hungry for growth,” he noted. “Yet we remain a net food importer. This is not due to a lack of ideas or effort but because of fragmented planning and weak institutional coordination.”
He emphasised that Nigeria’s agricultural journey is “not one of failure but of unfinished architecture,” calling on leaders and young professionals to envision agriculture as a modern, technology-driven industry rather than a traditional occupation.
Beyond the Farm Gate: Career Opportunities for Youth
Aig-Imoukhuede challenged graduates to see the broader opportunities agriculture presents. From storage, processing, and logistics to quality assurance, branding, and export markets, he said the sector offers career paths for diverse skills and interests.
He stressed the importance of integrating technology with strong governance structures. “Innovation alone is not enough. True transformation requires patient capital, credible systems, and consistent leadership,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, welcomed the gathering and described the convocation lecture as a defining intellectual tradition. “This lecture reinforces the University’s role as a hub for critical engagement with national challenges, promoting excellence, innovation, and leadership,” he said.
The lecture was chaired by Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, who urged agricultural universities to align their programs with national development goals. He advocated for a balanced educational model combining manpower development, character formation, and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, drones, GIS, and the Internet of Things to drive smart agriculture and agribusiness innovation.
