An agric promotional group , RealityLife Magazine Conference and Awards (RELCA) has unveiled an award of excellence for farmers.
The Founder of RELCA, Mrs Oghenemaro Adegeye, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
Adegeye said that celebrating farmers and participants in Nigeria’s agriculture sector was long overdue.
“We aim to celebrate local farmers who ensure that we get food to buy in the market against all odds.
“No matter your status or how packaged what you eat is, it is a product of agriculture,” Adegeye said.
She also said that the award would be based on merits.
“We have put all parameters necessary in place and the award is iconic and first of its kind as we are set to appreciate agribusiness enterprise.”
“The choice of this year’s awardees is based on various research carried out and polls drawn by well-meaning industry players.
“Our criteria for the selection of awardees will be based on key industry players in the sector.
“Our selection cuts across all strata of the agriculture sector and based on key individual recommendation,” she said.
She said the aim of the awards and conference was to get more young people interested in the sector.
“The agriculture space is wide and we want more entrants into the sector. The perception people have about farmers is what we want to change. We do not want farmers to be looked down on.
“The award is a motivation to get more youths interested in agriculture and celebrated as stars just like in the entertainment industry.
“We have young people doing e-farming these days and we want to encourage more people to be engaged,” Adegeye said.
Nigerians expected to receive the RELCA awards include; Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi State Governor, Mr Adedapo Abiodun Ogun State Governor and Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Governor of Ondo State.
Others are Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, Mr Wale Oyekoya (Bama Farms) and Mr Adeola Odedina, Commissioner of Agriculture Ogun State, among others
Corporates to be awarded are Honeysuckles PTL, Sterling Bank Plc and Toyota Hilux of Toyota Nigeria Ltd.
NAN reports that the award is scheduled to hold on Nov. 3, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The award is an annual event aimed at celebrating individuals and organisations, who against all odds have ensured food security in Nigeria.
The conference will also serve as a platform for discussions on vital issues in relation to food sufficiency, food security, technology and agribusiness. (NAN) www.nannews.ng