President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global leader in agricultural exports by 2025. President Tinubu made this pledge at the Road to South-South National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, outlined his administration’s ambitious agricultural vision under the “Earn from the Soil” initiative, a flagship program designed to pivot Nigeria from oil dependency to a diversified economy driven by agriculture. “By 2025, we will position Nigeria as a leading agricultural export nation,” he assured.

The initiative, the President explained, seeks to transform subsistence farming into export-driven enterprises, providing a roadmap to enhance food security and economic sustainability. “Project ‘Earn from the Soil’ is a food security initiative capable of transforming subsistence farming into robust, export-driven economic opportunities, thereby revolutionizing our agricultural landscape and ensuring national food security,” he noted.

The south-south region was spotlighted as a vital player in this transformation due to its rich natural resources and abundant human capital.

Tinubu emphasised the untapped potential of the region, stating, “When we properly harness the human and material resources, this region has the potential to embody the transformative potential of Nigeria.”

Calling on both local and international investors, the President reiterated that the South-South region and Nigeria as a whole are “open for business.” He added: “We are creating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

The President also highlighted the critical role of young people and women in driving the agricultural revolution, describing them as the “backbone of the transformation” and urging them to embrace self-reliance.

“My promise to Nigerians was to restore and renew their hope and confidence in their ability to excel. That promise is being fulfilled today,” Tinubu concluded, expressing optimism for the success of the event and the broader Renewed Hope Agenda.

On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon. Gift Johnbull, has spotlighted the South-South region as a critical hub of untapped economic potential calling for strategic partnerships to unlock its vast resources and foster national growth.

Johnbull underscored the region’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in oil and gas, while emphasizing its underutilized opportunities in agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“The south-south is at the heart of our nation’s development,” Johnbull said. “This region’s immense economic contributions and untapped potential position it as a critical driver of Nigeria’s transformation.”

Johnbull called on investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to see the South-South as a gateway to new opportunities, citing initiatives like the Pitching Den, launched at the event, as a platform to attract bold entrepreneurs and visionary investors.

“This is your moment to recognize the South-South as a hub of untapped potential,” she said. “Partner with us to unlock opportunities that will benefit not just this region or the nation, but the entire continent and beyond.”

The report showcased how targeted initiatives have empowered communities and driven progress in the south-south.

Johnbull urged youth and women to take an active role in transforming their communities, describing them as “key change-makers” in the region’s development journey.

“To the youth and women, your voice, innovation, and determination are crucial to shaping the future of the South-South and Nigeria at large,” she said.

“As we amplify the Renewed Hope Agenda, let us ensure every Nigerian feels the impact of our collective efforts,” Johnbull added