Abuja: The Federal Government has inaugurated a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking land resources within 42 National Youth Development Centres, with the goal of promoting youth participation in agribusiness and expanding economic opportunities nationwide. Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, announced this initiative in Abuja during the inauguration of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YALTF) programme.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ministry also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to enhance collaboration in expanding youth participation and opportunities across Nigeria’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors. Olawande stated that the partnership between IITA and the ministry is steadily growing, driven by a shared commitment to broaden youth participation and unlock opportunities within Nigeria’s expanding agricultural economy.
The inauguration ceremony included the signing of an MOU, building on previous discussions about enhancing youth involvement in agriculture and agribusiness. Olawande emphasized that Nigeria’s youth population is the nation’s greatest asset, capable of driving economic growth, innovation, and transformation in agriculture given the right opportunities. The programme aims to equip young Nigerians with modern agricultural knowledge, exposure to value-chain opportunities, and climate-smart practices.
Olawande highlighted that IITA’s innovative framework addresses the challenge of land access for young people in agriculture by leveraging the ministry’s National Youth Development Centres across the country. The initiative brings together state governments, development partners, and private sector players to ensure a robust multi-stakeholder approach capable of delivering lasting impact and sustainability.
The minister noted that IITA was prepared to train over six million young people in agriculture using the ministry’s existing database of youths already interested in agribusiness opportunities. He pointed out that youth constitute more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population and, with the right opportunities, skills, and support, they could drive economic growth, innovation, and agricultural transformation.
Olawande further explained that the initiative would equip young people with modern agricultural knowledge, exposure to value-chain opportunities, and climate-smart farming practices, while leveraging IITA’s expertise in training, incubation, and agribusiness innovation. He described the inauguration as a forward-looking strategy to strengthen food security, boost agricultural productivity, and empower young people as key drivers of national development.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, described the inauguration of the initiative as a significant step toward empowering Nigerian youth through agriculture. She noted that the inauguration and signing of the MoU between the ministry and IITA demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing youth unemployment while strengthening national food security.
According to Dr. Keshinro, the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the ministry’s commitment to delivering measurable results and inclusive opportunities for young Nigerians. In his address, IITA Director-General, Dr. Simeon Ehui, described the inauguration and signing of the MoU as a crucial step toward expanding opportunities for Nigerian youth in agriculture. He emphasized that with more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, empowering young people through agribusiness is critical for sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Ehui added that IITA would provide technical support, training, and innovation to transform the National Youth Development Centres into hubs for agribusiness skills development and enterprise creation.