Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has stated that active participation of Youth in agriculture would fast-track development in the sector, increase production, and Revitalize Agribusiness as well as achieve food and nutrition security. This was contained in a statement signed by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head, Department of Information.
The Minister made this disclosure during the courtesy visit by the United Nation (UN) Delegation led by the Assistant Secretary General Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier, in Abuja recently.
Kyari stated that Federal Government is making deliberate efforts to prioritize youth in the agricultural ecosystem through financial inclusion, economic opportunities, and enabling environments.
The Minister revealed several key government initiatives driving Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, including the operationalization of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the N1.5 trillion recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), one of the largest agricultural finance commitments in the country’s history.
According to him, ‘’these measures will expand access to affordable finance for youth led agribusinesses’’.
He stressed that through targeted programmes, such as mechanization, access to finance, digital platforms, and extension services, the government would empower a new generation of farmers.
He highlighted the role of Nigerian youth like young innovators namely Samson Ogbole, Femi Adekoya, Atinuke Lebile, and Azeez Salawu played in shaping policy and practice, as well as pioneering projects in soilless farming, drone technology, biofortified crops, and ecosystem coordination.
In his remarks, the UN Assistant Secretary General Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier stated that the Youth office was established by the General Assembly to lead the engagement and advocacy for the advancement of youth related issues across the United Nation’s Members.
He added that the office would foster increase in access to resources, land, technology, information and boost youth participation in policy dialogue
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi revealed that the procurement of 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 agricultural implements, the largest mechanization drive in Nigeria’s history aimed at enhancing productivity and creating decent employment opportunities for youth in agribusiness
He stated that ‘’this is the largest mechanization initiative in Nigeria’s history. This bold intervention will expand access to modern machinery, enhance productivity, and create new opportunities for youth in machinery operation, maintenance, and agribusiness services. It is part of our deliberate effort to make agriculture a field of innovation, dignity, and decent work for the next generation’’
During his Goodwill message, young Agriprenur, Tobi Jeremiah Olanrewaju lauded the Federal Government for providing financial intervention through National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), free Agricultural inputs and implements to young farmers in Nigeria.
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