The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting agricultural development and youth entrepreneurship, pledging full support for the implementation of the newly launched Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF).
Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja at the launch of the initiative by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Nafiu described the fund as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to empowering young Nigerians and expanding their participation in the agricultural sector.
He noted that youths remain critical to driving agricultural development and ensuring sustainable food security in the country.
According to him, the NYSC's Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme already places strong emphasis on agro-allied enterprises, equipping corps members with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to explore opportunities in agribusiness.
The NYSC boss said the new initiative would create opportunities for corps members to participate actively in agricultural value chains while gaining practical experience and mentorship.
'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 supporting youth empowerment and agricultural transformation efforts.
Nafiu also called for sustained public support to harness the innovation, creativity and resilience of Nigerian youths in advancing national development and food production.
In his remarks, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the programme was designed to create employment opportunities for young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain.
He disclosed that the ministry, in partnership with key stakeholders, was committed to expanding economic and job opportunities for youths nationwide.
Olawande described the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund as a national initiative aimed at mobilising young Nigerians to participate actively in agricultural production and agribusiness development.
He stressed that the success of the programme would depend on collaboration among state governments, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector.
"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," the minister said.
The event also featured the recognition and celebration of outstanding young agripreneurs for their contributions to agricultural development, innovation and youth empowerment.