Federal government has inaugurated a strategic initiative to unlock land resources within 42 National Youth Development Centres to promote youth participation in agribusiness and expand economic opportunities nationwide.
Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande announced the initiative yesterday in Abuja, during the inauguration of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund, YALTF, programme.
The ministry also signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, to strengthen collaboration and expand youth participation and opportunities across Nigeria’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors.
Olawande said the partnership between IITA and the ministry is expanding steadily, driven by a shared commitment to broaden youth participation and unlock opportunities within Nigeria’s growing agricultural economy.
“The ceremony marks the signing of an MoU, building on earlier discussions on improving youth involvement in agriculture and agric-business.
“Nigerian youth population is the country’s greatest asset, and with the right opportunities, they can drive economic growth, innovation and transformation in agriculture.
“The programme will equip young Nigerians with modern agricultural knowledge, exposure to value-chain opportunities and climate-smart practices,” he said.
According to him, IITA’s innovative framework addresses the challenge of land access for young people in agriculture by leveraging the ministry’s National Youth Development Centres across the country.
He said the initiative brought together state governments, development partners and private sector players to ensure a strong multi-stakeholders approach capable of delivering lasting impact and sustainability.
The minister said IITA is ready to train more than six million young people in agriculture using the ministry’s existing database of youths already interested in agribusiness opportunities.
He said youths make up more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population and, with the right opportunities, skills and support, could drive economic growth, innovation and agricultural transformation.
According to him, the initiative will equip young people with modern agricultural knowledge, exposure to value-chain opportunities and climate-smart farming practices, while leveraging IITA’s expertise in training, incubation and agribusiness innovation.
“Today’s inauguration represents a forward-looking strategy to strengthen food security, boost agricultural productivity and empower young people as key drivers of national development,” he said.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Maryam Keshinro, described the inauguration of the initiative as a major step toward empowering Nigerian youths h through agriculture.
She said the inauguration and signing of the MoU between the ministry and IITA demonstrates a strong commitment to tackle youth unemployment, while strengthening national food security.
According to her, the programme aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the ministry’s commitment to deliver measurable results and inclusive opportunities for young Nigerians.
In his address, the Director-General, IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui described the signing of the MoU as a major step toward expanding opportunities for youths in agriculture.
He said the initiative built on earlier engagements with the minister and reflects a shared commitment to translate ideas into practical solutions for youth employment nationwide.
Ehui emphasised that with more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, empowering young people through agribusiness is critical for sustainable economic growth.
He added that IITA would provide technical support, training and innovation to transform the National Youth Development Centres into hubs for agribusiness skills development and enterprise creation. (NAN)
