FG reaffirms commitment to Youth participation in Agriculture for Sector’s revitalization
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring active participation of Youth in Agriculture. This is aimed at fast-tracking development in the Sector, Increasing Production, Revitalizing Agribusiness for Food and Nutrition Security.
In a statement by the Ministry’s Head of Information Department, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the Minister made the disclosure in his office in Abuja, during a courtesy visit by the United Nations (UN) delegation, led by its Assistant Secretary General Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier
Kyari stated that to this end, government is making deliberate efforts to prioritize youth participation in the agricultural ecosystem through financial inclusion, economic opportunities, and the creation of an enabling environment
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 how Nigerian youth – innovators like Samson Ogbole, Femi Adekoya, Atinuke Lebile, and Azeez Salawu – are shaping policy and practice with projects in soilless farming, drone tech, 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 Ministry’s Secretary, Dr. Marcus 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
‘’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’’ He said.
In a goodwill message, young Agriprenur, Tobi Olanrewaju lauded the Federal Government for the provision of financial intervention for young farmers in Nigeria through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), free Agricultural inputs and implements
