How an OAU student is using social media to promote sustainable agriculture in Nigeria

In this article, we introduce you to Toluwani Precious Ogunbiyi, a young passionate advocate for sustainable farming whose journey from uncertainty to influence is nothing short of inspiring.

Early fascination and unwavering passion

Precious’ story begins with a childhood fascination with nature. “I remember in primary school, I was enchanted by the idea of planting a seed and watching it grow into food,” she recounts with a smile. “I even used my mother’s containers for my experiments. The sense of accomplishment when that bean seed germinated was profound.”

In junior secondary school, her love for farming was evident in her enthusiasm for her agricultural textbook. “I loved reading about farm management and imagining having my own farm. Yet, when I told my classmates I wanted to be a farmer, they laughed at me. It was disheartening,” she shares.

Her path to becoming an agriculturist was not straightforward. Precious, like many young dreamers, had a wide array of interests.

“I wanted to be a doctor and I initially applied to study medicine at OAU,” she said

A turning point in the university

Despite her initial reluctance, Ogunbiyi path took a significant turn when she entered Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

“When I received my admission letter for agriculture, I cried. I was determined to change my course,” she recalls. However, her parents encouraged her to embrace this unexpected opportunity.

The real transformation came during a pivotal conference organised by the school’s Agricultural Students Union. “Attending that conference was eye-opening. Dr. Cornelius Adewale’s talk on organic farming sparked something in me. It felt like a revelation,” Precious explains

That encounter with Dr. Adewale led to an internship at Farmwella, a company focused on agricultural education. “Dr. Adewale’s mentorship was invaluable. I was involved in creating resources for organic farming masterclasses, which deepened my knowledge and passion for sustainable agriculture,” Precious notes.

For context, Dr. Cornelius Adewale holds a Master’s in Soil Science (Sustainable Agriculture) and a PhD in Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences from the Washington State University. However, his first degree was in Agricultural Economics from OAU. He is also on the board of Tilth Alliance, a Washington-based non-profit that works with farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a sustainable food future.

Back to Ogunbiyi’s story. Learning at the feet of such a master opened her eyes to the gaps in sustainable systems.

Advocacy and global impact

Beyond her academic pursuits, Precious’s dedication to sustainable agriculture extends to her advocacy work. She is currently an advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). With over 10,000 followers on LinkedIn, she uses her platform to preach the gospel of sustainable food systems and raise awareness for policies crucial for global development.

Precious spends most of her time outside the university as a volunteer and a valued member of various impact-driven global and national organisations. She has served on the Girl Advisory Council of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Center (WTEC), participated in the 8th Cohort of African Rebirth, and is currently a Kectil Colleague at The Malamar Knowles Foundation. Additionally, she serves as an SDG advocate under the AlphaZulu Advocates Organisation and is a global youth ambassador for Theirworld.

Leveraging the skills and knowledge gained from these organisations, Precious teaches both the older and younger generation to also become world changers. As her personal mission statement goes: changing the world, one person at a time.

Overcoming challenges and inspiring change

Precious discovered that her peers and friends were less inclined toward agriculture. “In my circle, I was the only one focused on agriculture. It was challenging, but it also strengthened my resolve,” she reflects.

“It was the dream of a future where agriculture could be both a livelihood and a sustainable practice. I wanted to show others that farming could be a fulfilling and impactful career choice,” she says about what kept her going.

Precious’s advocacy extends beyond personal success. She is dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices that respect the environment and offer viable livelihoods for future generations. “I want to inspire young people to see agriculture as a dynamic and essential field. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about cultivating a sustainable future.”

She takes advantage of the power of social media, using her platform to educate Nigerians and the global community about sustainable farming practices. Her engaging posts offer step-by-step guides on creating organic fertilisers, tips on growing vegetables in small spaces, and insights into the benefits of organic farming.

Her dream is to establish “Agridemy,” an educational platform aiming to teach at least one million people every year how to grow food organically.

The road ahead

Precious Ogunbiyi is a determined and dogged lady who will never stop or quit until her vision for the world is achieved. Her journey is proof of the power of resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that one person can indeed change the world. As she continues to inspire the next generation of world changers, her message remains clear: sustainable farming is the way to go.

For those interested in supporting Precious’s cause or exploring sustainable farming practices, there are numerous ways to get involved. Whether through education, community initiatives, or simply learning more about organic farming, every effort contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.