₦airaland Forum

Food security remains one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across Nigeria, especially among young people and low-income households. Cooperative societies continue to play a vital role in addressing these challenges by promoting collective action, agricultural development, financial empowerment, and sustainable community initiatives. Through collaboration, training, and resource sharing, cooperatives provide practical solutions that improve livelihoods, encourage self-reliance, and strengthen local economies. It was in line with this vision that the OGSCOFED Youth Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited partnered with the Plant To Live Initiative (PTLI) to organize a transformative workshop focused on sustainable agriculture and cooperative development.

The Ogun State Youth Cooperative in collaboration with the Plant To Live Initiative (PTLI) successfully organized a 1-Day Workshop Training themed “Driving Food Security and Sustainable Communities through Cooperative Action” at the Oba K. O. Olubiyi Conference Hall, 'Tayo Sobanjo Building, Cooperative House, opposite Ibadan Motor Park, Asero, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday, 9th May, 2026.

The impactful training brought together youths, cooperative members, agricultural enthusiasts, and community stakeholders for intensive learning sessions aimed at improving food production, promoting environmental sustainability, and strengthening cooperative systems for community growth and impact.

In his welcome address, the President of Ogun State Youth Cooperative, Mr. Badejo Adeyẹmi, warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of youth involvement in cooperative activities and sustainable agricultural practices. He described the workshop as a platform for learning, collaboration, and transformation.

According to him, young people have both the responsibility and opportunity to shape the future of their communities through food production, sustainability initiatives, and active participation in cooperative systems.

Mr. Badejo Adeyemi appreciated the Plant To Live Initiative (PTLI), facilitators, and all partners who contributed to the success of the workshop. He also disclosed that the Ogun State Youth Cooperative would soon become a bonafide member of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogun State Chapter, encouraging interested youths to join the cooperative and benefit from NYCN opportunities and programs.

He further called for stronger collaboration between Ogun State Youth Cooperative and the NYCN Ogun State Chapter to create more impactful youth-focused programs across the state.

The Team Lead of Plant To Live Initiative, Mr. Adefolaji Oluwatobi, also welcomed participants and briefed them on the objectives of the workshop, noting that the training was designed to equip participants with practical agricultural knowledge capable of improving food security and household income.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Ogun State Chapter, Olóyè Akóláwólé Shórèmí, represented by Comrade Fatai Adesina, Coordinator for Abeokuta South Local Government, commended the organizers for putting together such a timely and impactful program.

He stated that participants could become transformed individuals after gaining valuable knowledge from the workshop. He also revealed that the NYCN Ogun State Chapter had previously trained youths in fish farming, crop farming, and other agricultural ventures at Awowo Farm Settlement in Ogun State and encouraged interested participants to connect with NYCN for future empowerment opportunities.

The first training session, titled “Building Sustainable Communities through Tree Planting,” was facilitated by Mr. Ajayi Matthew. He highlighted the importance of tree planting in combating climate change, improving air quality, reducing heat within communities, preventing erosion, and supporting environmental sustainability.

He spoke extensively on climate challenges facing Nigeria, including rising temperatures, flooding, erosion, and deforestation, while explaining how trees contribute to climate action through carbon absorption, shade provision, water cycle support, and soil protection.

Participants were educated on the various benefits of tree planting, including healthier environments, improved food security through fruit trees, economic opportunities, and community beautification.

Mr. Matthew further explained the different categories of trees suitable for planting such as fruit trees including mango, orange, and pawpaw; economic trees like moringa and neem; timber trees such as gmelina and teak; as well as shade trees.

He demonstrated proper tree planting and maintenance techniques, emphasizing watering, weeding, protection from grazing animals, and proper monitoring. He concluded the session with a strong call to action, encouraging participants to plant at least one tree and support PTLI environmental activities.

The second session, “Improving Food Production through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP),” was facilitated by Mr. Ajani Temitope. He educated participants on practical farming methods that improve crop yield and quality through proper soil management, quality seeds, effective watering systems, pest control, land preparation, and weed management.

He explained the importance of understanding soil types, water sources, crop spacing, transplanting techniques, and harvesting methods. Participants also learned about the dangers of poor spacing, overcrowding, late planting, and neglecting pests and diseases.

Mr. Temitope encouraged participants to start small, maintain proper farm records, and consistently improve their farming practices for better productivity and profitability.

The workshop also featured a practical session on Ugu cultivation facilitated by Mr. Adefolaji Oluwatobi. The practical training provided participants with detailed guidance on the cultivation, management, pest control, harvesting, and economic benefits of Ugu (Telfairia occidentalis), one of Nigeria’s most popular leafy vegetables.

Participants learned that Ugu is highly nutritious, rich in iron and vitamins, fast-growing, and capable of generating steady income throughout the year. The facilitator explained climate and soil requirements, land preparation methods, seed selection, watering systems, staking, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting techniques.

The session further highlighted the profitability and sustainability of Ugu farming for household food security and commercial purposes.

Another major highlight of the workshop was the presentation on “Leveraging Cooperative Systems for Growth and Impact” delivered by Comrade Badejo Adeyemi.

In his presentation, he explained that cooperatives are groups of individuals who come together to improve themselves financially, socially, and economically through collective effort.

He stressed that leveraging cooperative systems means effectively utilizing leadership, savings, communication, training, member participation, and business activities to achieve growth and create positive community impact.

According to him, cooperative growth can be measured through increased membership, investments, business expansion, and improved services, while impact is reflected in poverty reduction, youth empowerment, scholarships, job creation, medical outreach, and community development initiatives.

He emphasized the importance of unity, teamwork, good leadership, education, financial discipline, technology adoption, and strategic investments in ensuring cooperative sustainability and success.

Comrade Badejo Adeyemi also guided participants on the registration procedures for joining the Ogun State Youth Cooperative through its online portal, explaining payment structures, membership requirements, shares, savings, and digital payment methods available to members.

The workshop featured interactive question-and-answer sessions, networking opportunities, and group photography sessions which allowed participants to engage directly with facilitators and fellow attendees.

At the end of the program, participants received free distributions of Ugu seedlings, pawpaw seedlings, and tree seedlings as part of efforts to encourage practical implementation of lessons learned during the workshop.

To join the Youth Cooperative, click on https://youthcoop.ogscofed.coop/ and register or call +2348072860376, +2347038247304 or oguncoopyouth@gmail.com