NYSC Commits to Youth-Led Agricultural Growth, Backs Agribusiness Fund By Raymond Enoch
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural development and empowering young Nigerians through innovative agribusiness initiatives aimed at boosting food security, job creation, and economic growth. This commitment was underscored at the launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development designed to increase youth participation in agriculture and agribusiness.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described the fund as a strategic intervention that demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to position young people at the forefront of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. He noted that the scheme recognizes the critical role of youths in ensuring food security and driving sustainable agricultural development across the country.
Nafiu explained that the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme already places significant emphasis on agro-allied enterprises, equipping corps members with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to explore opportunities within the agricultural value chain. According to him, the newly launched fund will provide corps members with mentorship, practical experience, and access to resources needed to thrive as agripreneurs.
“This initiative will help nurture a new generation of agripreneurs capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape while creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves and others,” he said.
The NYSC boss 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. He also pledged the scheme’s full support for the successful implementation of the initiative and called on stakeholders to continue investing in the creativity and resilience of Nigerian youths.
In his remarks, Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, said the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund is designed to generate employment opportunities and encourage active youth participation in agricultural production and agribusiness development. He emphasized that collaboration among state governments, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector will be critical to achieving the programme’s objectives.
The event also featured the recognition of outstanding young agripreneurs whose innovations and contributions continue to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, highlighting the growing potential of youth-driven agribusiness in the country.
