In an unprecedented collaboration that bridges engineering innovation and sustainable agriculture, Assetrise Limited has embarked on a landmark partnership with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to address critical issues of food insecurity and unemployment in Nigeria. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by leveraging engineering and innovation to modernize agriculture. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, underscores the critical intersection of technology, agriculture, and sustainability, with far-reaching impacts for Nigeria’s economy, workforce, and communities.
The partnership’s centerpiece is the creation of demonstration farms across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, which will serve as hubs for capacity building, and scalable agricultural solutions. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to transforming agriculture into a driver of national development while equipping the next generation of agricultural innovators with the tools for success.
A Leadership-Driven Vision
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, under the inspiring leadership of Engr. Margaret Oguntala, has consistently positioned itself as a driving force for national development. With over 70,000 members across engineering disciplines, the NSE has contributed to infrastructure development, industrial innovation, and socio-economic progress in Nigeria.
As the first female president of the NSE, Engr. Oguntala has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives redefining how engineering interfaces with agriculture, climate change, and sustainability. Her tenure has prioritized actionable projects that demonstrate engineering’s relevance beyond conventional infrastructure to address issues such as food security and environmental resilience. She has launched initiatives encouraging women engineers to take active roles in solving real-world problems, aligning with global gender equity goals.
Engr. Oguntala’s focus on sustainable agriculture is deeply tied to her belief in the practical application of engineering to solve Nigeria’s most pressing challenges like food insecurity and climate change, highlighted in NSE’s 2024 annual conference theme: “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change.” Speaking at the MoU signing, she noted:
“We are making food security a practical reality, by uniting expertise, technology, and community to drive sustainable outcomes.”
Complementing this vision is the innovative leadership of Mr. Oluwadurotimi Ojamamoye, Group Managing Director of Assetrise Limited. Known for his groundbreaking Agro Smart City model, Mr. Ojamamoye has consistently delivered impactful solutions that merge agriculture with real estate to create value across Nigeria. His initiatives, such as the Eko Yams Project which has produced over five million yam tubers in Lagos state, and Palmrich Estate, a large-scale oil palm plantation, have empowered thousands of youths and strengthened food production capacity nationwide. His vision combines sustainable agricultural practices with real estate, creating models that address food security, empower local communities, and drive economic growth. Speaking at the MoU signing, he noted,
“This partnership gives us the platform to scale our Agro-smart city projects nationwide. Agriculture holds the potential to solve food insecurity, reduce unemployment, and keep our youth thriving within Nigeria.”
The Demonstration Farms: Centers for Transformation
A key pillar of this partnership is the establishment of demonstration farms in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These farms will serve as hubs for innovation, training, and community development, showcasing modern farming techniques and engineering-driven solutions.
Features of the Demonstration Farms:
- Training Centers: Designed to upskill engineers, agriculture students, and farmers in mechanized farming, sustainable practices, and business development.
- Research and Development: Facilities for testing and scaling solutions tailored to Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
- Technology Hubs: Integration of renewable energy, precision farming, and irrigation systems to improve efficiency and productivity while reducing environmental impact.
- Community and Market Linkages: Creation of sustainable agricultural value chains to enhance productivity and connect farmers with buyers. Farmers will benefit from access to local and regional markets, enhancing profitability and reducing post-harvest losses.
These farms will act as blueprints for scaling agricultural transformation across the country, with ripple effects expected in job creation, increased food production, and knowledge sharing.
Broad Impacts of the Partnership
The Assetrise-NSE collaboration is poised to deliver significant benefits for Nigeria’s economy and society:
1. Enhancing Food Security
By integrating advanced engineering solutions into farming practices, the partnership aims to boost food production, reduce dependency on imports, and ensure consistent food availability. These efforts align with Nigeria’s goals under the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and will position the country as a net food exporter within Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
2. Tackling Youth Unemployment
Youth empowerment is at the heart of the partnership. Through structured programs, young Nigerians will be trained in agro-business management, agritech innovation, and entrepreneurial skills. The demonstration farms alone are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs, offering a sustainable pathway for youth to thrive in agriculture and related industries.
3. Driving Economic Growth
The economic benefits of this partnership extend beyond job creation. By fostering value-added processing industries and efficient supply chains, the project will contribute to GDP growth, attract foreign investments, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural export market.
4. Championing Climate-Smart Agriculture
The partnership integrates climate-smart practices such as:
- Water-Efficient Irrigation: Drip irrigation systems powered by solar energy to minimize water waste.
- Sustainable Crop Practices: Promoting crop rotation and organic farming to preserve soil health.
- Renewable Energy Use: Solar and wind-powered systems to drive operations at farms and processing hubs, reducing the carbon footprint of farming activities.
These efforts support Nigeria’s climate action goals (SDG 13), ensuring the environmental sustainability of agricultural expansion.
5. National Agricultural Resilience
Through the demonstration farms and Agro Smart City models, the partnership provides a blueprint for agricultural resilience. It creates robust food systems that can withstand external shocks such as pandemics or global supply chain disruptions, securing Nigeria’s long-term agricultural future.
Opportunities for Engineering and Agriculture Professionals
A unique aspect of the Assetrise-NSE partnership is its emphasis on creating a pipeline of skilled professionals to drive Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. Beyond job creation, the initiative aims to position engineering and agriculture as aspirational fields for young Nigerians.
Impact on Engineering Professionals
- Upskilling in Agro-Technologies: Engineers will gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing solutions such as automated irrigation systems, precision farming tools, and renewable energy applications.
- Opportunities for Innovation: The demonstration farms will act as live labs where engineers can prototype, test, and deploy cutting-edge technologies tailored to Nigeria’s unique agricultural ecosystem.
Impact on Agriculture Students and Farmers
- Entrepreneurship Pathways: Through partnerships with universities, young farmers and agriculture students will be supported to transition from subsistence farming to agribusiness. Programs like Assetrise’s existing graduate incubation model (Smart Agropreneurship Project) will be scaled to ensure young participants leave with practical skills and business plans.
A Visionary Collaboration for Nigeria’s Future
The collaboration between NSE and Assetrise is a bold step toward reimagining Nigeria’s agricultural sector. It is a commitment to redefining agriculture and engineering as twin engines of growth. It embodies the belief that sustainable food production is not only achievable but can also empower millions, drive innovation, and build a resilient economy. By leveraging engineering expertise, innovation, and private-sector collaboration, this partnership has the potential to not only transform food security but also build a sustainable economy driven by empowered youth and cutting-edge technology.
As Engr. Oguntala stated, “This partnership is about building a Nigeria where food security is not a challenge but a given. Together, we are planting the seeds for a prosperous future”.
With the backing of visionary leaders and organizations committed to excellence, this partnership promises to create opportunities, address challenges, and lay the foundation for a sustainable future for Nigeria.
A Call to Action for National Development
The success of this partnership will rely on the collective efforts of engineers, farmers, policymakers, and investors. It’s a call to action for all stakeholders to see agriculture not just as a means of survival but as a tool for innovation, empowerment, and national pride.
Assetrise Limited remains committed to empowering communities, fostering innovation, and building a Nigeria where agriculture drives lasting progress. Together with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, we are engineering futures, economies, and legacies that will shape the fabric of Nigeria for generations to come.
