By Nkechi Eze
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to advancing agricultural development through innovative and youth-focused initiatives aimed at boosting food security and economic growth in Nigeria.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, NYSC, Caroline Embu, Brigadier General Nafiu made the commitment in Abuja during 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 determination to empower young people and expand their participation in the agricultural sector. He noted that Nigerian youths remain critical stakeholders in driving agricultural development and ensuring sustainable food production across the country.
Brigadier General Nafiu stated that the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme places significant emphasis on agro-allied ventures and entrepreneurship, equipping Corps Members with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities required to thrive in agribusiness.
He explained that the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund would provide Corps Members with practical exposure, mentorship, and access to opportunities across the agricultural value chain, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of the nation’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 Director-General 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 public support to harness the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Nigerian youths in securing the nation’s future, while pledging the Scheme’s full support for the successful implementation of the programme.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative would create employment opportunities for young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain. He noted that the ministry, in collaboration with its partners, remained committed to expanding economic and employment opportunities for youths nationwide.
The Minister described the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund as a national initiative designed to mobilise young Nigerians for active participation in agricultural production and agribusiness development. He stressed that state governments, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector all have important 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,” Olawande stated.
The event also featured the recognition and celebration of outstanding young agripreneurs for their contributions to agricultural development, innovation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
