{"id":73,"date":"2026-03-21T00:04:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T00:04:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/?p=73"},"modified":"2026-03-21T13:50:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T13:50:44","slug":"food-security-we-need-solutions-to-access-markets-production-innovations-technology-security-of-lives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/?p=73","title":{"rendered":"Food Security: We Need Solutions To Access Markets; Production; Innovations, Technology, Security Of Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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B<\/strong>eauty with intellect, Oluwaseun Evelyn Areo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Farm to Fill Foods Limited, a venture she established four years ago. Evelyn is a woman of remarkable abilities, and if provided with the appropriate platform, she can showcase the talents that God has bestowed upon her; her innate skills remain largely untapped.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She completed her secondary education at Community Secondary School in Ilasa, Lagos, before gaining admission to Yaba College of Technology, where she had her Ordinary National Diploma in Agricultural Technology; she Graduated with upper credit at that level which paved way for her to secure a direct entry into Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, where she studied Animal Nutrition. She distinguished herself as the best student in her department, being the sole recipient of a first-class degree.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this interview, she candidly discusses the challenges that impeded her academic ambition of becoming a lecturer, as well as the security issues faced by farmers and the difficulties in accessing loans. Enjoy this enlightening interview conducted by OLUWADAMILARE DANIELS. Excerpts;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why did you decide to pursue a career in Agriculture?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farming and agriculture have been my passion since childhood; I pursued a degree in Animal Science. My aspiration has always been to engage in agriculture, but due to a lack of funding and available land, I initially ventured into other fields. However, after attending a training session organized by IITA, I realized that I could begin on a small scale, utilizing limited resources, and gradually expand from there \u2014 that moment marked a significant turning point in my journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have creatd a niche for myself through the processing of Catfish; that was my starting point, and today I have diversified into several other products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How have you been managing with or without government assistance?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned earlier, my pivotal moment occurred during a training organized by IITA, where I gained insights into aquaculture and the various value chains I could engage with. It has primarily been about networking and enhancing existing relationships. During the training, we received a transport allowance of N10,000 for two weeks, which prompted me to approach the facilitator to express my desire to initiate the Catfish processing with my N10,000. She kindly obliged to guide me through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since I don\u2019t have enough cash to purchase my own Smoking Kilns, I frequently utilize the one owned by the IITA to process and sell my fish. I continued this practice until I managed to accumulate enough money to buy my own machine. It felt as though I was reinvesting the profits back into the business. I have relied on the support of family and friends; at some points, I employed a family member as staff. However, I am grateful to God that I have now been able to hire additional employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year, I was fortunate enough to win a grant from a competition organized by IITA, which awarded me a prize of 1.5 million. That was my first experience participating in a grant competition. This year, the Farm Junction Foundation, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, hosted a competition for the Most Beautiful Farmer in Lagos State, and I was honoured to be declared the winner. The prize for this achievement was a truck, which will help alleviate logistical challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you entered your current position after graduation, what were you engaged in?<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After completing my degree, I was contemplating two options: either pursuing a career in agricultural business or continuing in academia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was about to mention that the university should have reached out to you for a return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, I attempted to return, but the Nigerian system posed challenges. I waited for some time, reflecting on how several of my Heads of Departments and lecturers had expressed interest in having me back in the system. At that time, I felt compelled to join them, as there were no young lecturers in the department; all present lecturers were at the professorial level, with perhaps a few awaiting promotion to that status. Furthermore, all of them were male, which meant I could have potentially been the first female lecturer in the department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My supervisor had already begun training me in research publication, and we collaborated on three publications. However, complications arose, indicating that I could not be admitted at that moment; I needed to complete my postgraduate studies first, as well as finish my Master’s degree, along with a few other requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also applied for a few scholarships abroad, and although I was accepted, the lack of funding made it impossible for me to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had my mandatory Youth Service in Akwa Ibom, Uyo, and due to my industrious nature, I believe my journey began in secondary school when I received some vocational training in tailoring. While serving in Uyo, in addition to my primary place of assignment at the Ministry of Agriculture, I often collaborated with a fashion design team, and my tailoring skills were once again put to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After completing my service, I came back to Lagos and the COVID-19 pandemic struck, I had to return back to Uyo to rejoin the fashion business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While I was there, my thoughts often wandered; I often engaged in conversations about fish ponds and poultry farming. Occasionally, we deliberated on the possibility of starting a poultry farm. Nevertheless, an opportunity presented itself in Lagos, which led me to take a brief leave from work to explore it. Interestingly, I did not return to collect my belongings in Uyo, as the business began just two weeks into the training. It has been an extraordinary journey. (General laughter) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you were in Uyo, did you manage to learn their languages? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certainly, I am someone who takes pleasure in learning languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many Nigerian languages can you speak fluently?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I may not be completely fluent, but we can certainly exchange pleasantries, and I can comprehend to a certain degree when others speak. I understand Ibibio, and I have a basic knowledge of the Hausa language as well. Additionally, I have learned to speak German.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you planning to travel to Germany?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, at various points in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you still intend to study abroad if the opportunity arises and the necessary funds become available?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is, I have missed being in school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have always desired to be involved in the activities surrounding tertiary institutions.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not necessarily; I believe I am still making a significant impact where I am currently. I actively engage with many young individuals in training, and I mentor some of them; perhaps just to add more qualifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the opportunity presents itself, I would like to return to conduct research. My intention is not merely to pursue unprofitable research; we conduct a variety of studies, and aside from publishing our findings, I have also presented them at an international conference. However, no farmer possesses all this information. Our goal is to engage in academic work while also transferring these results to the actual farmers in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We would not want to train students in schools focused on Agriculture only for them to end up in the banking halls, simply because they failed to recognize the business aspects of the field. This was one of the challenges I faced as a student; I was unaware that there were opportunities in Agriculture beyond mere production. We need to begin instructing students on how they can earn a living through Agriculture, rather than viewing it solely as a subject to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I return to the University to teach, I would advocate for these types of initiatives as an academic. Even if I remain in this business, I will continue to share knowledge and make a difference, albeit possibly outside the boundaries of a higher education institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you had been deeply engaged in academia, would you have found satisfaction in that compared to the fame, glamour, and success you are presently experiencing?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hmmmm. I cannot claim that I have ever been motivated by a quest for fame or glamour; rather, my emphasis has consistently been on creating a significant impact through my endeavors. Had I chosen to immerse myself in academia, I am certain that I would have experienced similar satisfaction in striving for excellence in research, teaching, or other scholarly activities. For me, the focus is not on the acknowledgment or awards; it is on the positive change I can bring to individuals’ lives. Whether through my present work or within the academic realm, my objective is to foster a lasting, beneficial influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I embarked on my journey, I did not aim for fame, glamour, or the recognition that I currently enjoy. All of these have emerged as a result of my commitment, dedication, hard work, and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What measures do you believe the government can implement to mitigate some of the challenges currently afflicting agriculture in Nigeria? <\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe it is essential for us to advocate for food security initiatives to the best of our ability. One approach to achieve this is by localizing our solutions; we should not merely replicate the strategies employed by the Netherlands or Denmark, as they may not be effective in our context. We must identify the genuine issues we are confronting here and begin to formulate solutions. Furthermore, it is crucial to involve farmers in the decision-making processes when we are developing these solutions, as this has been one of the errors we have made in the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year’s Africa Food Summit in Senegal focused on the role of young people in agriculture. We need to make agriculture appealing to the youth and explore ways to minimize the risks associated with the sector. When establishing policies, frameworks, and roadmaps aimed at young people, it is vital to ensure their participation in the discussions. They can provide insights into what young individuals desire. If the solutions are intended for farmers, then farmers should also be included in the conversations, as they can articulate the real challenges they encounter at the grassroots level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have consistently heard about the Government intervention fund, with announcements being made today and promises for more tomorrow. This leads one to wonder who benefits from these numerous interventions, as the grassroots farmers remain largely unaware of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many individuals fail to relay information to the relevant and concerned farmers, and when they receive incentives from the government, they remain silent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is crucial to de-risk the agricultural sector by ensuring access to affordable financing options (loans) with minimal interest rates and extended moratorium periods, as agriculture operates in cycles. Additionally, we must establish the necessary infrastructure and solutions. As I mentioned previously, when I initiated my catfish farming venture, I utilized smoking kilns provided by the IITA; more of such solutions would greatly assist and motivate new entrants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We require solutions that encompass access to markets, production and processing, logistics, innovations, and technology. In Nigeria, security need to be enhanced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farming itself is inherently risky; we should not exacerbate the situation with the loss of lives and property due to banditry and herdsmen conflicts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is imperative that we ensure the safety of those who are working to secure our nation’s food supply, as they too must be protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What security measures do you believe the government can proffer for individuals in the North Central (middle belt) and in the northern regions?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hmmm, while I am not a security specialist, I believe the military should enhance their efforts. If we truly know who is involved, we should address the issue from that perspective rather than continue to waste lives and render people homeless. The reality is that if we permit this insecurity to persist, our farms will become abandoned, and our only alternative will be to import food, which could be costly. The government should also engage with farmers in local communities, as they operate in clusters, to inquire about their pain-points and how to implement effective security measures to address their it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think the government is skeptical regarding the issuance of loans due to past experiences. Research has shown that some farmers received certain loans but were unable to repay them, and some loans were not properly directed towards the farmers, making them untraceable. If the government were to provide grants or loans, how do you think they could be effectively monitored?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would like to mention that some time ago, in the Lagos Ministry of Agriculture, farmers were offered incentives. Some received fertilizers, while registered farmers obtained inputs for their businesses, and others received fabricated ovens. It is worth noting that during the distribution process, some individuals were openly selling these items at lower prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A solution has now been made available. If a farmer is provided with equipment to facilitate processing, a certain level of output is expected from him, even with subsidies; it is no longer a carefree situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding loans and grants, loans for farmers should be designed with a more manageable repayment structure. For example, consider a perennial farmer whose product will be ready for sale in two years; expecting him to repay a loan within six months is unrealistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would also recommend insurance for farmers. I believe we are making progress; previously, banks were reluctant to assist farmers, but now several banks have begun to offer loans with an approximate 9% repayment rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerning the equipment distributed by Lagos State, is there a possibility of establishing a monitoring group to oversee its usage, perhaps every two months? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am a member of the Lagos Agri-innovation club, which consists of a team of young innovators in agriculture. Last year, a total of 100 million was allocated to over 20 of them. This funding will reach its one-year mark in November 2025; an active monitoring group was established and continues to oversee their activities to this day. There will be a phase two of that grant, where some young farmers may receive additional funding. Before receiving the grant after your pitch, the monitoring team will inspect your farmland to ensure its existence before you can access the funds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Beauty with intellect, Oluwaseun Evelyn Areo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Farm to Fill Foods Limited, a venture she established four years ago. Evelyn is a woman of remarkable abilities, and if provided with the appropriate platform, she can showcase the talents that God has bestowed upon […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":76,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[18,20,19],"class_list":["post-73","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interview","tag-food-security-we-need-solutions-to-access-markets-production-innovations","tag-security-of-lives","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=73"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77,"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73\/revisions\/77"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/76"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=73"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=73"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/247wisemen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=73"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}