President Bola Tinubu has outlined his administration’s goal of making Nigeria a global leader in agricultural exports by 2025, positioning this ambition as a central element of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Road to South-South National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda at the Presidential Villa, the president emphasized the untapped potential of the South-South region, known for its wealth of natural resources and talent. He called for increased investment in Nigeria’s non-oil sectors to fuel broader economic growth.
“The South-South is open for business, as is the entire nation,” he declared. “We are cultivating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable development.”
Tinubu’s administration is seeking support from both local and international partners to build a resilient economic system, with a focus on reducing reliance on traditional aid.
He also highlighted the pivotal roles of young people and women in driving the success of the initiative. “Your energy, creativity, and determination will be the engine of Nigeria’s economic revolution,” he affirmed.
The president reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to restoring hope and confidence in the country’s future, citing the Earn from the Soil initiative as a key step toward achieving this vision.
In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon. Gift Johnbull, underscored the South-South region as a critical hub for untapped economic potential. She called for strategic partnerships to unlock its vast resources and stimulate national growth.
“The South-South is at the heart of our nation’s development,” Johnbull stated. “This region’s significant economic contributions and untapped potential position it as a key driver of Nigeria’s transformation.”
Johnbull also emphasized the need for investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to recognize the South-South as a gateway to new opportunities. She pointed to initiatives such as the Pitching Den, launched at the event, as a platform to attract bold entrepreneurs and visionary investors.
“This is your chance to recognize the South-South as a hub of untapped potential,” she said. “Partner with us to unlock opportunities that will benefit not just this region or the nation, but the entire continent and beyond.”
The event also included the unveiling of the Impact Report, which highlighted milestones achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating how targeted initiatives have empowered communities and driven progress in the South-South.
Johnbull called on youth and women to actively engage in transforming their communities, describing them as essential “change-makers” in the region’s development.
“To the youth and women, your voice, innovation, and determination are crucial to shaping the future of the South-South and Nigeria,” she said. “As we amplify the Renewed Hope Agenda, let us ensure every Nigerian feels the impact of our collective efforts.”
Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, President Tinubu also launched the Earn from the Soil initiative, aimed at transforming subsistence farming into a thriving, export-driven sector.
“This initiative is a bold declaration of our commitment to turning non-oil resources into collective prosperity,” Tinubu affirmed. “By 2025, Nigeria will be a global leader in agricultural exports.”
The Earn from the Soil project seeks to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, creating export opportunities while ensuring national food security. According to Tinubu, the initiative will empower citizens to become agents of economic prosperity, transforming local farming practices into global economic drivers.
