Business/Economy
Government investment in agriculture could slash Nigeria’s unemployment rate by 80% – Awefada
Written By: Louis Odianose Pius
05 Nov 2025 05:07 AM
OGHENEOVO AWEFADA, is an agribusiness entrepreneur, who grew tired of endless white-collar job rejections after years of fruitless searching. He abandoned the hunt and turned to the land, starting with small-scale farming as a means of survival. What began modestly has blossomed into a successful venture that now employs others.
His path from a disillusioned teacher scraping by on meager wages to a thriving farmer and job creator highlights the grit and resourcefulness of Nigeria's resilient youth who refuse to surrender.
In this exclusive interview with DAILY SOUTH NIGERIA, Awefada shares his transition: from job hunting to a private school teaching role juggling classes from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, then diving into vegetable farming, specifically ugu leaf cultivation.
Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, his unwavering determination led to breakthrough success.
Q – Tell us about yourself
A – I am OGHENEOVO AWEFADA, the CEO, Awe Agri-Villa Enterprise. I am from Orogun, in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State. I graduated from the prestigious Delta State University (B.Sc. 2017); also, obtained M.Ed in 2024, Masters degree in Educational Management and Planning. I am a full-time farmer, building a legacy in agriculture where we don’t just grow crops we grow hope, jobs, and sustainable futures.
Q – What inspired you to go into farming?
A – After graduating in 2017 and completing my national service in 2018, I faced persistent unemployment and limited job prospects, leading me to venture into farming.
Q – What advice would you give to university graduates still scouting for white collar jobs?
A – My advice to graduates is that, they should not wait for the government to provide employment. Look inward, identify your strengths, and carve out your own path by starting a business or exploring alternative careers, especially agriculture.
Q – What was your biggest challenge when you started that almost made you quit?
A – My greatest challenge was securing financing. I managed to navigate it with my modest savings and invaluable support from my loving mother.
Q – Do you think agriculture can drastically reduce unemployment if the government invests in the sector?
A – With proper investment and management, agriculture could reduce the unemployment rate by up to 80%.
Q – How many people have you engaged with this your agribusiness; by way of employment opportunities?
A – Governments at all levels must prioritize substantial investments in agriculture.
Q – How many people have you engaged with this your agribusiness; by way of employment opportunities?
A – Currently, I have employed 5 permanent staff and 5 casual workers on my payroll working with me.
Q – Who do you look up to when it comes to this farming business that inspires you?
A – Farmer Samson Ogbole – a PhD holder and a trailblazer in modern agriculture.
Q – Are you mentoring your children to go into farming?
A – Yes, I have a long-term plan that fully integrates my children into the agribusiness.
Q – If you had the opportunity of sitting with your state governor, what would you tell him?
A – If given the opportunity to meet with the State Governor, I would urge him to invest heavily in agriculture and inspire youth to pursue farming rather than waiting for white-collar jobs.
His path from a disillusioned teacher scraping by on meager wages to a thriving farmer and job creator highlights the grit and resourcefulness of Nigeria's resilient youth who refuse to surrender.
In this exclusive interview with DAILY SOUTH NIGERIA, Awefada shares his transition: from job hunting to a private school teaching role juggling classes from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, then diving into vegetable farming, specifically ugu leaf cultivation.
Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, his unwavering determination led to breakthrough success.
Q – Tell us about yourself
A – I am OGHENEOVO AWEFADA, the CEO, Awe Agri-Villa Enterprise. I am from Orogun, in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State. I graduated from the prestigious Delta State University (B.Sc. 2017); also, obtained M.Ed in 2024, Masters degree in Educational Management and Planning. I am a full-time farmer, building a legacy in agriculture where we don’t just grow crops we grow hope, jobs, and sustainable futures.
Q – What inspired you to go into farming?
A – After graduating in 2017 and completing my national service in 2018, I faced persistent unemployment and limited job prospects, leading me to venture into farming.
Q – What advice would you give to university graduates still scouting for white collar jobs?
A – My advice to graduates is that, they should not wait for the government to provide employment. Look inward, identify your strengths, and carve out your own path by starting a business or exploring alternative careers, especially agriculture.
Q – What was your biggest challenge when you started that almost made you quit?
A – My greatest challenge was securing financing. I managed to navigate it with my modest savings and invaluable support from my loving mother.
Q – Do you think agriculture can drastically reduce unemployment if the government invests in the sector?
A – With proper investment and management, agriculture could reduce the unemployment rate by up to 80%.
Q – How many people have you engaged with this your agribusiness; by way of employment opportunities?
A – Governments at all levels must prioritize substantial investments in agriculture.
Q – How many people have you engaged with this your agribusiness; by way of employment opportunities?
A – Currently, I have employed 5 permanent staff and 5 casual workers on my payroll working with me.
Q – Who do you look up to when it comes to this farming business that inspires you?
A – Farmer Samson Ogbole – a PhD holder and a trailblazer in modern agriculture.
Q – Are you mentoring your children to go into farming?
A – Yes, I have a long-term plan that fully integrates my children into the agribusiness.
Q – If you had the opportunity of sitting with your state governor, what would you tell him?
A – If given the opportunity to meet with the State Governor, I would urge him to invest heavily in agriculture and inspire youth to pursue farming rather than waiting for white-collar jobs.
Comments