NYSC Reaffirms Commitment to Agribusiness Development, Backs Youth Land Trust Fund Initiative

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, youth-focused initiatives aimed at boosting food security and economic growth.

Speaking at the launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF) in Abuja, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, General Nafiu described the programme as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering young people and expanding their participation in the agricultural sector.

He noted that the NYSC recognizes the critical role of youths in driving agricultural development and ensuring sustainable food production across the country. According to him, the Scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme places significant emphasis on agro-allied ventures, equipping Corps Members with the knowledge and practical skills required to seize emerging opportunities in agribusiness.

Nafiu stated that the YiALTF initiative would provide Corps Members with access to practical experience, mentorship, and opportunities within agricultural value chains, helping to nurture a new generation of agripreneurs capable of transforming 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,” 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 support from stakeholders 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 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, is 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 mobilize young Nigerians to actively participate in agricultural production and agribusiness development. He stressed that state governments, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector all have vital 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.

The event also featured the recognition and celebration of outstanding young agripreneurs for their contributions to agricultural development and innovation in Nigeria.