At the 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island in Lagos, on Wednesday, April 22, a profound truth echoed through the halls: Nigeria’s path to true sovereignty is paved not with oil, but with soil.

The event, co-chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Minister of Livestock Development, through their representatives, assembled a formidable brain trust to address the theme, “Food Security and Socio-economic Stability: Options for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Rebound.”

Among the eminent voices was Dr. Moji David, Group Managing Director of Xtralarge Farms and Resorts, who delivered a compelling mandate—agriculture requires an urgent, radical rebranding to capture the hearts and hands of our youth and women. This is a survival strategy for a nation grappling with a burgeoning population and a volatile mono-product economy.

Supporting this vision were global and local luminaries, including Dr. Hussein Gaduin of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, who delivered the keynote; Mrs. Dede Ahoefa Ekoue of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD; veteran advocates like Kabir Ibrahim of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, Mohammed Magaji of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, and a host of eminent sector stakeholders.

Dr. David’s vision challenges the archaic stereotype of the “tired farmer” with a hoe. She advocated, instead, for an “agri-business” model where technology and prestige replace drudgery. To achieve massive youth involvement necessary for food security, we must look to global blueprints that have successfully bridged this generational gap.

The transformation begins with the deep integration of smart technology. Much like Israel, which transformed arid landscapes into lush gardens through precision irrigation and data-driven cultivation, Nigeria must move toward a future where drones and AI manage the field. Our youth are “digital natives” who will naturally gravitate toward a farm that operates with the sophistication of a tech hub.

This must be supported by the creation of de-risked capital, mirroring Uganda’s success with venture capital funds specifically for young agripreneurs. When the financial barrier to entry is lowered, innovation inevitably thrives.

Furthermore, we must address the structural hurdle of land tenure. In Vietnam, secure land rights for smallholders spurred a revolution in productivity. Ensuring our young people and women have title to the land they till is non-negotiable. We must embrace agri-tourism and value addition. Thailand, for instance, made farming “aspirational” by blending it with tourism—a model already championed by Xtralarge Farms.

The Nigerian government must start treating agriculture as the primary engine of national security. When the state gives agriculture its rightful place, the benefits are immediate. It ensures national stability, as food security is the ultimate antidote to civil strife. It boosts foreign exchange and saves billions spent on food imports. Most importantly, it drives rural industrialisation, creating a value chain that generates millions of sustainable jobs.

As the 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse has illuminated, we must attract young blood to our agricultural sector.