The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has pledged its support for the newly launched Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), describing the initiative as a major step towards creating sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians in agriculture.
Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the commitment during the official unveiling of the programme in Abuja, where he highlighted the importance of youth participation in driving agricultural growth and strengthening food security.
According to him, the scheme aligns with the objectives of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which continues to equip Corps members with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge in various sectors, including agriculture.
Nafiu said the new initiative would expose young people to opportunities across the agricultural value chain while providing access to mentorship, hands-on experience, and business development support.
He noted that empowering youths to embrace agribusiness would not only create jobs but also contribute significantly to national economic growth and agricultural productivity.
“The future of agriculture depends largely on the active participation of young people. This initiative will help prepare a new generation of agripreneurs capable of transforming the sector through innovation and enterprise,” he said.
The NYSC Director-General also commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and other partners for championing programmes aimed at youth empowerment and agricultural advancement.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund as a strategic intervention designed to connect young Nigerians with opportunities in agricultural production and agribusiness.
He said the initiative would help tackle youth unemployment by creating pathways for economic participation and wealth creation within the agricultural sector.
Olawande called on state governments, financial institutions, private sector organisations, and development partners to support the programme and ensure its long-term success.
“This initiative represents an investment in the future of Nigerian youths and the future of our agricultural sector. Achieving its objectives will require strong partnerships and collective commitment,” he said.
The event also featured the recognition of outstanding young agripreneurs whose innovations and contributions have made significant impacts within Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage more young people to embrace agriculture as a viable career path while supporting efforts to enhance food production and economic development across the country.
