Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, today joined Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umar Bago; the Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun; and the CEO/Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Mr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower 100,000 youths through a National Youth Agricultural Scheme.
At the MoU signing ceremony which held at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Olawande, commended the Governor of Niger State for his efforts in ensuring a stable food supply in Nigeria, as well as in job creation and youth empowerment.
The Minister emphasized that the tripartite agreement will strengthen the relationship between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Niger State Government, and NALDA.
Olawande noted that the agreement is a testament to the success being achieved through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toward ensuring food security and job creation for Nigerian youth.
Mr. Sammy Adigun, the Chairman of Niger Foods, explained that the partnership aims to produce half a million tons of food, with each youth earning N150,000 in the first year; with the prospect of earning millions over the next four to five years.
On his part, Mr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NALDA, described Niger State as a leading example in agricultural development, making it an ideal location to initiate this partnership for youth development.
Expressing his satisfaction, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State welcomed the collaboration between NALDA and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, describing it as a landmark achievement.
The Governor expressed optimism that the agreement will meet its objectives, noting the potentials of Nigerian youth to excel with minimal support.
