In a world where agriculture is often seen as the “dirty job” left for rural dwellers, Eloho Oluwaseun Okorodudu has built a decade-long career proving otherwise.
From the lecture halls of Delta State University, Abraka, to the dusty fields where Nigeria’s food is born, she has combined technical know-how, hands-on farming, and a commitment to human development, both in the field and in the pews.
As a civil servant with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and President of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria in her parish, Eloho is planting more than seeds; she is sowing skills, values, and hope for a better-fed, better-led future.
Good day, ma’am. Please provide your name for the record.
My name is Eloho Oluwaseun Okorodudu. I am from Okpare Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
And what do you do?
I’m a civil servant. I work with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which was formerly part of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Until recently, we were split, so we now have our ministry, though we still work in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
How long have you been in this ministry?
This year will make it 10 years since I’ve been working in the ministry.
Let’s go back to your educational journey. Did you study Agriculture?
Yes, I did.
Where did your passion and zeal to study come from?
Like everyone else, I started with primary and secondary school education. I graduated from Delta State University, Abraka, with a B.Sc. in Agriculture and also did my Master’s degree there, both under the Department of Animal Science.
Studying Agriculture wasn’t what I originally intended; my first aim, like many people, was to study Medicine, one of the so-called ‘conventional’ courses. My reason for wanting to be a doctor was to help heal people. But along the way, I realised that good health also begins with what people consume. Through studying Agriculture, I discovered my purpose. I decided to redirect it towards creating better food and sharing knowledge on how to produce it, rather than going into Medicine.
After your B.Sc., did you go straight into work, or was it after your Master’s?
I was doing my Master’s when I got the appointment. I applied for the job and got it.
How has it been so far, being a stakeholder in Nigeria’s agricultural sector?
It’s been lovely. The Federal Government is doing its best within its means. I’ve been in contact with so many farmers.
Working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture brings you into direct contact with the people who produce our food. You hear their challenges, work with them, see how they live, and observe their growth. For example, sometimes they’ve been doing things a certain way for years, and then new, innovative methods are introduced. You get to see the positive impact these changes have on their livelihoods and communities.
What is one major challenge Nigerian farmers face?
One of their biggest challenges is access to quality stock, things like quality seedlings and breeds. Finance is another huge challenge. Many farmers want to expand but don’t have the funds or the means to take the risk.
You mentioned seedlings. The Federal Government has been considering partnerships with foreign companies on GMO seeds, which are controversial. Can you shed light on this?
I studied Animal Science, so I’m more inclined towards livestock than seeds. But speaking cautiously, if there is any GMO seed on the market that is government-sponsored, it’s not meant to harm people. It will have been carefully evaluated.
Almost everything around us has undergone some form of genetic modification; these modifications are meant for the benefit of the people. For instance, the corn we eat today is much larger than it used to be. We even have layers (birds) that have been modified to grow as big as broilers. Such changes are made for food security, better storage, and ensuring people don’t go hungry.
Have you been recognised for your contributions to the ministry?
I’ve received several recognitions in the church and some awards for my work in the ministry. For example, in Delta State, my field office has been recognised as one of the best livestock data collection centres.
What kind of data do you collect?
We collect data on livestock prices and products such as milk, butter, eggs, poultry (broilers and layers), cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, and dogs, among others.
Do you have a livestock farm yourself?
Yes, I do. I started as a broiler farmer, raising chickens for meat, and I’m now moving into layers for egg production.
What are common mistakes people make in livestock farming?
The most common mistake, whether in crops or livestock, is investing heavily without proper knowledge or the right personnel to manage the farm. I’ve seen people invest millions and get nothing back. It’s important to understand the technical side and start small, then grow gradually. Mistakes are inevitable, but you learn from them.
There’s a noticeable gap between rural and urban farmers. How can this be bridged?
Through my work with the Federal Ministry, we visit rural farmers, train them on improved methods, and introduce better inputs. These trainings happen periodically, sometimes up to five times a year, and cover crops, livestock, fisheries, and more. We can’t reach everyone, but the idea is for trained farmers to share their knowledge with others, creating a ripple effect.
What about encouraging more women to farm?
I disagree with the idea that farming is a man’s job. In Delta State, I’ve seen more female farmers than male ones, especially in rural areas. Women are already playing a big role in agriculture. When going to Abraka through Abavo, especially in the morning and evenings, you see people on bicycles going to the farm, and the majority are women.
From your perspective, what can be done to reduce food prices?
Factors we learnt in basic agricultural science still apply; distance from farm to market, road accessibility, and middlemen all affect prices. Bad roads make it harder for farmers to reach urban markets, so they sell closer to home, and middlemen raise prices significantly. If the government could create a system for collecting produce directly from farmers for distribution to city markets, that would help. A task force to monitor market prices could also prevent exploitation, as long as it works diligently.
Recently, you won an award at the Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria (CMON), Asaba region Leadership Summit. Let’s talk about your involvement in the church.
I’m a Catholic. I attend Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church, GRA, Asaba. I joined the Catholic Youth Of Nigeria (CYON) around 2017–2018, and like every Christian’s walk, it has had both good and challenging moments. Working closely with the church has helped me address my weaknesses and drawn me closer to God and His people. One of the greatest commandments is the love of God and the love of neighbour. My work has brought me into contact with people of all classes and statuses.
Tell us about your leadership award from the Catholic Men Organisation.
It was a surprise to me. It recognised my leadership in CYON and the projects we’ve undertaken, such as skills training in baking and soap making, and purchasing an evangelisation bus for the parish. Our upcoming Youth Week will feature a medical outreach with screenings for blood pressure, sugar levels, HIV, hepatitis B, and malaria. We’ve also secured sponsorships for medicines and equipment. We plan to train youths in ICT, fashion design, and other professional skills.
What exactly is your role in the church?
I am currently the President of the CYON in my parish. My main focus is human development. I believe investing in people, human capital, is more valuable than any other investment because it benefits the present and the future. Good deeds have a ripple effect, positively influencing many others beyond the immediate recipient.
Why do you think many young people are losing interest in church, and how can that be addressed?
As church leaders, we discuss this a lot. Many young people face serious life challenges, unemployment, lack of resources, and societal pressures. Family values, environment, and available opportunities all shape their commitment to the church. We also need a mindset change: not everyone can or should aim for white-collar jobs. Blue-collar work can be just as rewarding. When people’s basic needs are met, they have more time and mental space for church involvement. There is also the “busy syndrome,” which the devil has placed on the minds of the youth. They always claim to be busy but have plenty of time for their phones. If one truly has God in their heart, that is where their priority will lie.
What are your future goals for work, personal life, and ministry?
In my work, I want to reach more people who need the ministry’s guidance. My vision is for Nigeria to be a country where even the beggar on the street has access to food.
In the church, my goal is self-development for all, and encouraging people to help others develop as well. A society with more compassionate, quality human beings will be safer and better for everyone.”
What are your hobbies? How do you unwind?
I didn’t grow up with hobbies as such. I enjoy learning new things, researching words, concepts, and how they affect life. I believe in balancing study and play, not prioritising one over the other.
Finally, what is your message to the youth?
Draw closer to God. Many young people move through life without a clear identity, making them vulnerable to negative influences. Knowing you are a child of God gives you purpose and direction. Life is a privilege, use it to serve God. Whatever you do, connect it to God’s purpose, and you’ll always find the right path.
