In a significant move toward food security and digital-driven agriculture, the Ogun State Government has officially launched the AgriConnect Initiative, a landmark project designed to empower rural farmers through smart mobile technology and real-time agricultural intelligence.
The launch ceremony, which held in Abeokuta, marks a milestone in Ogun State’s pursuit of sustainable farming practices and economic empowerment. At the heart of the initiative is the distribution of smart mobile devices to 1,000 cassava farmers, selected from the Ogun State Farmer Information Management System (OGFIMS), a digital platform that already houses over 160,000 registered farmers across the state.
The AgriConnect Initiative is the product of a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Huawei Technologies, and the MTN Foundation, with strong backing from the presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The collaboration is designed to align with national objectives of leveraging technology to drive productivity in the agricultural sector and curb rising food inflation.
Governor Dapo Abiodun praised the intervention as “a bridge to prosperity,” stating that AgriConnect will give farmers access to timely weather forecasts, pest control alerts, expert agronomic advice, and market insights, all via mobile-enabled smart devices.
“This is not just another distribution of devices. It is a statement of intent. As the largest cassava-producing state in Nigeria, Ogun is stepping forward to lead not just in crop volume, but in innovation, resilience, and digital inclusion,” Governor Abiodun said.
Special recognition was given to Ogun-born Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, whose involvement was pivotal in bringing the initiative to fruition. His ministry’s collaboration with technology giants like Huawei and MTN Foundation ensures that farmers will receive not only hardware but also access to knowledge ecosystems that can boost output and minimize post-harvest losses.
By integrating precision agriculture with data-driven decision-making, AgriConnect is poised to revolutionize traditional farming in the state. According to the governor, the broader objective is to align Ogun with global climate-smart agriculture practices, enhance food system resilience, and create opportunities for youth employment in agri-tech.
Observers have hailed the launch as a blueprint for other states to adopt, especially at a time when food security, climate adaptation, and digital transformation remain top priorities in Nigeria’s development agenda.
With AgriConnect, Ogun State is setting a new pace, one where farmers are no longer left behind in the digital revolution, and agriculture is recognized not just as subsistence, but as innovation, empowerment, and prosperity.
