Founder of Gotomo Farms and Wildlife Services, Mr. Abubakar Gotomo, has called on Nigerian youth to tap into the vast opportunities within agribusiness as a reliable route to financial independence and national development.
Speaking in Diko, Niger State, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Gotomo emphasized that modern agriculture, when pursued with best practices, can generate sustainable income and transform livelihoods in a short time.
Agribusiness: A Pathway to Prosperity
Gotomo encouraged young Nigerians, especially fresh graduates, to pursue agriculture as a viable career rather than wait for white-collar jobs.
“Agriculture is a venture where you can become rich within a short time if you follow best practices,” he said.
Citing his own experience, he described the profitability of fish farming using Gotomo Farms as a model. The farm operates 36 concrete fish ponds and over 10 earthen ponds. He explained that a single pond stocked with 2,500 catfish, properly managed over a 120-day cycle, could yield profit margins of up to ₦2 million.
“At a conservative rate of ₦2,000 per kilogram, and three catfish averaging one kilogram, the financial returns are clear. With good management, any graduate can earn a decent living from just one pond.”
Agriculture Beyond Farming
Gotomo highlighted the broader agricultural value chain, which includes input supply, marketing, transportation, and farm services, as areas with immense potential for youth involvement and wealth creation.
“You don’t have to own land to benefit from agriculture. There’s money in providing services and selling inputs. The sector is wide open,” he noted.
He urged NYSC members and young graduates to see agriculture not as a fallback option, but a strategic career that guarantees both independence and impact.
From Civil Service to Agribusiness
Recounting his own journey, Gotomo said he left the civil service early in pursuit of independence and self-reliance.
“The civil service had limitations. Your growth is determined by promotion, not your capabilities. I chose to create my own path through food production—because no matter what, people must eat,” he explained.
He emphasized that education should serve as a launchpad for innovation, not a tool for dependency.
“Graduating doesn’t mean becoming someone’s servant. Use that knowledge to build something.”
Organic Farming and Food Safety
Gotomo also raised concerns about food quality and safety in Nigeria, pointing to issues like soil contamination, chemical overuse, and poor post-harvest practices. He emphasized that Gotomo Farms adopts organic farming principles to ensure healthier, safer produce for consumers.
“We train our workers and visiting trainees in organic methods to reduce harmful practices. Food security goes beyond availability—it’s about the safety and quality of what we eat.”
Building Capacity for a Better Food System
Through its training programs, Gotomo Farms is committed to developing a new generation of agriculturists equipped with sustainable practices to enhance national food security and health.
“We are building a food system that is not only productive but safe. With more young people in agriculture, we can transform Nigeria’s food economy and secure our future.”
Gotomo’s message is clear: agriculture is not just a necessity—it’s a profitable, noble, and nation-building enterprise, waiting for Nigeria’s youth to take charge.
