NYSC Backs Youth Agribusiness Fund to Boost Food Security, Job Creation

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting agricultural development and youth participation in agribusiness, pledging support for initiatives aimed at creating jobs and strengthening food security in Nigeria.

Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at the launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Nafiu described the fund as a significant step towards empowering young Nigerians and increasing their participation in the agricultural sector.

He said the initiative reflects the government’s determination to unlock the potential of youths and position agriculture as a viable pathway to economic growth and self-reliance.

According to him, the NYSC has continued to prioritise agricultural entrepreneurship through its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which equips corps members with practical skills in agro-allied ventures and other business opportunities.

The NYSC boss noted that the new agribusiness fund would create opportunities for young people to engage more actively across the agricultural value chain while contributing to efforts aimed at transforming the 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,” Nafiu said.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and other development partners for driving the initiative, describing their efforts as critical to youth empowerment and agricultural transformation.

Nafiu also called for sustained support from stakeholders to harness the creativity, innovation and resilience of Nigerian youths for national development.

He pledged the full backing of the NYSC towards the successful implementation of the programme.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund was designed to expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians and encourage greater participation in agricultural production.

He explained that the initiative seeks to bring together youths from across the country and provide them with the resources and support needed to succeed in agribusiness.

According to the minister, the programme aligns with the ministry’s broader objective of creating sustainable economic opportunities and reducing youth unemployment.

“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.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would require collaboration among state governments, financial institutions, development partners and private sector organisations.

The event also featured the recognition of outstanding young agripreneurs who were honoured for their contributions to agricultural innovation and development.

Stakeholders at the launch expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage more young Nigerians to embrace agriculture as a profitable venture while contributing to national food production and economic growth.