By Queen Kunde
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has pledged strong support for a new government initiative aimed at helping young Nigerians build successful careers in agriculture.
Speaking at the launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF) in Abuja, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said the scheme remains committed to promoting agriculture through innovative programmes that empower young people.
General Nafiu described the new fund as clear evidence of the Federal Government’s determination to create opportunities for youths in the agricultural sector and boost food production across the country.
He noted that the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme already focuses heavily on agro-allied businesses, equipping corps members with practical skills to take advantage of growing opportunities in agribusiness.
According to him, the new initiative will open doors for corps members to gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship, and participate actively in different areas of the agricultural value chain.
“This initiative will help nurture a new generation of agripreneurs who are ready to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” he said.
The NYSC boss commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and other partners for supporting youth empowerment through agriculture.
He also called on Nigerians to support efforts aimed at harnessing the creativity and resilience of young people for national development.
General Nafiu assured stakeholders of the NYSC’s full commitment to ensuring the success of the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the programme would create jobs and expand economic opportunities for young Nigerians nationwide.
He explained that the fund is designed to bring youths together to participate directly in agricultural production and agribusiness ventures.
Olawande stressed that state governments, financial institutions, development partners and private sector organisations must work together to make the initiative successful.
“This is a call to action and a call to invest in Nigerian youths,” the minister said.
The event also featured the recognition of outstanding young agripreneurs for their contributions to agricultural innovation and development.
Observers say the initiative could play a key role in reducing youth unemployment while strengthening Nigeria’s drive for food securit
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