Agro-business
Gotomo Urges Nigerian Youth to Embrace Agro-Business for Fast Profit, Sustainable Jobs
Niger State, Nigeria- June 22, 2025, …ONN…
As youth unemployment remains a national concern, Abubakar Gotomo, founder of Gotomo Farms and Wildlife Services, has called on young Nigerians to explore agro-business as a sustainable and profitable career path.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Gotomo described agriculture as one of the fastest growing and most accessible industries capable of delivering economic independence and job creation.
“People should aspire to venture into agriculture. With best practices, it can make you wealthy within a short period,” he said.
Fish Farming as a Model
Using his own fish farming operation in Diko as an example, Gotomo explained how a graduate could make up to ₦2 million in just four months by managing a single fish pond.
“Here at Gotomo Farm, we have about 36 concrete ponds and 10 earthen ones. One pond can hold 2,500 catfish. If well fed, within 100 to 120 days, three catfish can make one kilogram. At ₦2,000 per kg, a single pond can generate up to ₦2 million in profit,” he explained.
Beyond Farming: The Agriculture Value Chain
Gotomo emphasized that the agriculture sector offers opportunities beyond primary farming. He noted that graduates can earn a living through input supply, marketing, transportation, and agribusiness services.
“Even if you’re not farming directly, there’s a big value chain. Input sales, transport, processing — the opportunities are endless,” he added.
“I encourage fresh NYSC graduates: don’t wait. There’s a job for you in agriculture.”
A Personal Journey from Civil Service to Agri-Enterprise
Gotomo shared that his motivation to pursue agro-business came from a desire for economic independence and dissatisfaction with bureaucratic limitations in the civil service.
“I left government early. In civil service, promotion limits you. Competence alone won’t get you ahead — it’s lobbying. I wanted freedom and impact. With food, there’s always a market,” he said.
Championing Organic and Sustainable Practices
Addressing concerns over food safety and environmental sustainability, Gotomo noted that his farm operates under organic principles to ensure healthy produce.
“We avoid harmful chemicals and focus on safe post-harvest handling. Our goal is to provide nutritious food and train others to do the same,” he stated.
Gotomo highlighted the need to redefine food security beyond quantity, stressing the importance of quality and health safety.
“Food security isn’t just about availability. It’s about safe, nutritious, and sustainably grown food,” he concluded.
As Nigeria grapples with high youth unemployment and food insecurity, Gotomo’s call for action aligns with national efforts to promote agriculture as a viable tool for economic empowerment and resilience.
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