By ZAKAA LAZARUS
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.
He stated this today in Abuja while delivering his address at the launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The Director General described the launch of the fund as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to empowering the next generation of young people in the agricultural sector.
He said the NYSC recognizes the critical role of youths in driving agricultural development and ensuring food security in the country.
Nafiu noted 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 and knowledge needed to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agribusiness.
He stated that the initiative would provide Corps Members with opportunities to participate meaningfully in agricultural value chains and contribute 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,” General Nafiu said.
He 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.
The DG also called for sustained public support to harness the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Nigerian youths in securing the nation’s future.
He pledged the Scheme’s full support for the successful implementation of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund.
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 disclosed that the Ministry, in collaboration with its partners, was committed to expanding economic and employment opportunities for youths nationwide.
According to the Minister, the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund is a national initiative designed to bring young Nigerians together to actively participate in agricultural production and agribusiness development.
He added that 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,” Olawande said.
Highlights of the event include the recognition and celebration of outstanding young agripreneurs for their
contributions to agricultural development and innovation.
