NYSC Commits to Youth-Led Agricultural Growth, Backs Agribusiness Fund
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NYSC Commits to Youth-Led Agricultural Growth, Backs Agribusiness Fund
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reiterated the scheme’s commitment to supporting youth-driven agricultural development through strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and economic growth.
Nafiu made the pledge in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Describing the fund as a significant step towards youth empowerment, the NYSC chief said the initiative reflected the government’s determination to position young Nigerians at the forefront of agricultural transformation.
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He noted that the scheme recognises the vital role of youths in advancing agriculture and achieving national food security, adding that the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme had continued to equip corps members with practical skills in agro-allied enterprises and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the new fund will open up opportunities for corps members and other young Nigerians to engage actively in agricultural value chains while gaining access to mentorship, training and business opportunities.
“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,” Nafiu said.
The NYSC boss commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and other development partners for championing programmes that promote youth inclusion in agriculture.
He also urged stakeholders to continue supporting efforts aimed at unlocking the potential of young Nigerians, stressing that their creativity and resilience remain critical to the country’s future prosperity.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund was designed to create jobs and expand economic opportunities for young people across the agricultural sector.
He said the ministry and its partners were committed to ensuring that more youths participate in agricultural production and agribusiness development, adding that collaboration among governments, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector would be crucial to the programme’s success.
Olawande called on stakeholders to invest in the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to build a new generation of successful agribusiness entrepreneurs and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
The event featured the recognition of outstanding young agripreneurs whose innovations and contributions have impacted agricultural development in the country.
