With a bold stride toward digital agriculture, the Ogun State Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has launched the AgriConnect Initiative—a pioneering programme aimed at empowering farmers with digital tools to boost productivity, enhance market access, and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The pilot phase of the initiative will benefit over 1,000 farmers, who will receive smart mobile devices equipped with Huawei’s AI-powered agronomic tools and bundled with free MTN-supported internet data. The programme leverages technology to provide real-time access to agronomy services, weather forecasts, pest control guidance, financial tools, and market intelligence—marking a major shift toward precision agriculture in the country.
Describing the initiative as a “gateway to opportunity,” Governor Dapo Abiodun said AgriConnect aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places food security and rural inclusion at the core of national development. He emphasized that the programme would not only revolutionize agricultural practices in Ogun State but serve as a model for digital inclusion across Nigeria.
“These are not just gadgets; they are tools of transformation,” Governor Abiodun declared. “With this programme, we are boosting productivity, promoting efficiency, and fortifying the cassava value chain. Ogun State is proud to lead in cassava production and equally proud to lead in agricultural innovation.”
The initiative is backed by Huawei Technologies and the MTN Foundation, and draws on the existing Ogun Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS)—a digital registry of over 160,000 farmers developed in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Beneficiaries of the AgriConnect pilot were selected from this database, ensuring efficient targeting and continuity with the state’s broader agricultural digitization efforts.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, noted that AgriConnect demonstrates how strategic digital interventions can drive inclusive economic growth and resilience in Nigeria’s rural communities.
“President Tinubu has set an ambitious goal of cultivating 500,000 hectares of land. But land and labour alone will not get us there. Productivity requires precision—and that is where innovation comes in,” he said.
Dr. Tijani emphasized that while Ogun State serves as the testbed for the programme, the goal is to scale the AgriConnect model across the country, ensuring that all farmers, regardless of location, can benefit from Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
The Honourable Minister also highlighted that this initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to using technology to tackle real-world problems—focusing on connectivity, data-driven decision-making, and scalable design.
Hon. Bolu Owotomo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Ogun State, described AgriConnect as a “significant milestone” in the state’s journey to modernize its agricultural sector. He urged farmers to embrace the digital tools not just as communication devices, but as engines of growth and profitability.
“Our farmers are not just food producers—they are digital-era entrepreneurs,” he remarked.
Representatives from Huawei and MTN Foundation, Mr. Femi Gao and Ms. Odunayo Sanya, respectively, reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative and encouraged farmers to adopt technology as a catalyst for agricultural transformation.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity.
With AgriConnect, Ogun State is not just distributing devices—it is building the foundation for a smarter, more inclusive agricultural ecosystem. The initiative signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s drive to harness technology for food security, economic development, and rural empowerment.
As the programme unfolds, all eyes will be on Ogun State as it charts a course for other states to follow—one where agriculture and innovation grow hand in hand.
