By Our Reporter
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),has reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to advancing agricultural development through innovative and youth-focused initiatives aimed at boosting food security and economic growth.
Nafiu made the commitment on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The NYSC Director-General described the launch of the fund as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to empower young Nigerians and expand their participation in the agricultural sector.
According to him, the NYSC recognizes the critical role youths play in driving agricultural development and ensuring sustainable food production across the country.
He noted that the Scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme places considerable emphasis on agro-allied ventures and entrepreneurship, equipping Corps Members with the knowledge and practical skills required to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agribusiness.
Nafiu said the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund would provide Corps Members with valuable opportunities to participate meaningfully in agricultural value chains while contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“This initiative will provide our Corps Members with practical experience, mentorship, and access to opportunities within the agricultural value chain. It will also help nurture a new generation of agripreneurs who are ready to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” he said.
The NYSC boss commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and other development partners for their commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural transformation.
He also called for sustained support from stakeholders to harness the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Nigerian youths in securing the nation’s future and pledged the Scheme’s full support for the successful implementation of the initiative.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the programme would create employment opportunities for young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain.
He stated that the ministry, in collaboration with its partners, was committed to expanding economic and employment opportunities for youths nationwide through strategic interventions in agriculture and agribusiness.
According to the minister, the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund is a national initiative designed to encourage active youth participation in agricultural production and agribusiness development.
Olawande emphasized that state governments, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector players all have critical roles to play in ensuring the success of the programme.
“This is a call to action, a call to partnership, and a call to invest in Nigerian youths. I invite all stakeholders to support this vision,” he said.
The event also featured the recognition and celebration of outstanding young agripreneurs for their contributions to agricultural development, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
