Greetings to all

I appreciate the numbers that are gathered here at this august occasion to celebrate the contribution of women towards food security and improving the livelihoods of families.

I am humbled by the participation of young people in the sector. Women have always worked hard and stayed focused. Today, as I speak to you, I urge and encourage you to continue working hard and to continue producing from the soil and the oceans.

Your efforts have proved that there is no reward for laziness. Such efforts also teach our young people that only through hard work can they succeed. Hard work prepares our youth to take the baton and proceed onward to a successful and more food-secure future for our country. It is indeed true that through this sector we can improve our lives and our economy.

I thank you.