By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Ishaea Bature, a farmer from Gwagwalada area council has shared his inspiring story of how he used his farm to train his four children in the University.
In an interview, Bature revealed that he has been farming for almost 25 years and has been using his farm as a platform to teach his children valuable life skills.
According to him, “I started farming many years ago, and it has been a source of joy and income for me. As my children grew older, I decided to involve them in the farm work, teaching them everything from planting to harvesting.
“Farming has been my source of income for many years,” Bature said. “I have been able to provide for my family and train my children through university, thanks to my ugwu farm.”
Comparing farming to government work, he said he earns more from farming. “This plot, less than a hectare, earns me 1.5 million naira every three weeks. My government salary can’t compare. I rent this land from a farmer for 100,000 naira yearly. I’ve been farming here for seven or eight years
“I have other farms, including a 1.3-hectare papper farm and a 2-hectare sweet potato irrigation farm.”
Bature’s children have all graduated from university, with degrees in various fields. His success story serves as an inspiration to other farmers and parents, highlighting the potential of agriculture to transform lives.
“I am proud of what I have achieved,” Bature said. encouraging other farmers to keep working hard and believe in the potential of their farms to improve their lives and those of their families.
“To be honest, we don’t get government support. It’s our personal effort. But if the government could provide subsidized inputs, it would encourage more farmers,” he added.
He explained that challenges farmers faced includes lack of capital and government support. This makes large-scale production difficult.
“Youth should be encouraged to go into agri-business. I started small, but now I’m the boss of almost 4 hectares of irrigation farming. It’s paying, and I’m speaking from experience.
“I’m a graduate in agriculture, but I don’t depend on my salary. Instead, I use my farming income to train my children. I’m encouraging young farmers and graduates to go into agri-business. It’s lucrative and fulfilling.”
