The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agricultural development in Nigeria through youth-driven initiatives aimed at boosting agribusiness, job creation, and national food security.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made this known on Monday in Abuja during the official launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
General Nafiu described the launch of the fund as a strong indication of government’s resolve to empower young Nigerians and deepen their participation in agriculture and agribusiness value chains.
He emphasized that NYSC recognised the strategic role of youths in transforming the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food production across the country.
According to him, the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme continues to prioritise agro-allied ventures, equipping corps members with practical skills, mentorship, and entrepreneurial knowledge to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agribusiness.
He explained that the new initiative would enable corps members to gain hands-on experience in agricultural production, processing, and distribution, while also building a new generation of agripreneurs capable of reshaping Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
“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, led by Ayodele Olawande, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and other development partners for their continued support toward youth empowerment and agricultural transformation.
Nafiu also called for sustained collaboration from public and private stakeholders to harness the creativity and resilience of Nigerian youths in securing the nation’s food future, while pledging the full support of NYSC for the successful implementation of the fund.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund is designed to create employment opportunities for young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
He noted that the Ministry, in partnership with key stakeholders, is committed to expanding access to economic opportunities for youths nationwide.
Olawande 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.
He described the initiative as a “call to action” for stakeholders to invest in Nigerian youths and support agricultural innovation.
The event also featured the recognition of outstanding young agripreneurs who have made notable contributions to agricultural development and innovation across the country.
