The National Youth Service Corps has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural development through youth-focused initiatives, as it pledged full support for the newly launched Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund.
Director-General of NYSC, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of YiALTF, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Nafiu described the fund as a demonstration of government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians in agriculture. He said the Scheme recognizes youths as critical drivers of agricultural development and food security.
According to him, NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme places significant emphasis on agro-allied ventures and entrepreneurship to equip corps members with skills needed to tap into agribusiness 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.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, and other development partners for their commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural transformation.
The NYSC boss called for sustained public support to harness the creativity and resilience of Nigerian youths, and pledged the Scheme’s full backing for successful implementation of the trust fund.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme would create employment opportunities for young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain.
Olawande said the Ministry, in collaboration with partners, was committed to expanding economic and employment opportunities for youths nationwide.
He described YiALTF as a national initiative designed to bring young Nigerians together to actively participate in agricultural production and agribusiness development.
“State governments, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector 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,” the Minister said.
Highlights of the event included recognition and celebration of outstanding young agripreneurs for their contributions to agricultural development and innovation.