Northern Youths Transition from Okada Riding to Farming in Ogun, Boosting Food Security
In Ogun State, Nigeria, a significant shift is occurring as northern youths abandon commercial motorcycle riding, known as 'okada', in favor of mechanized rice farming. This transition is taking place in Magboro, a community near the Lagos-Ogun border, where former motorcyclists, factory workers, and traders are now engaging in agriculture. The initiative, which began as a small-scale effort by northern migrants, has grown into a large mechanized farming project. The project is supported by local leaders and has attracted interest from government officials. The farming initiative not only provides a more stable source of income for participants but also contributes to Nigeria's food security by increasing local rice production.