NYSC Backs Youth Agribusiness Fund, Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Development
Oru Leonard
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting agricultural development and youth empowerment through innovative agribusiness initiatives across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF) in Abuja, the Director-General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, described the initiative as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s determination to empower young Nigerians and strengthen the agricultural sector.
According to Nafiu, the NYSC recognizes the vital role of young people in driving agricultural growth and ensuring food security. He noted that the Scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme places strong emphasis on agro-allied enterprises, equipping Corps Members with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to seize opportunities in agribusiness.
He said the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund would provide Corps Members with practical experience, mentorship, and access to opportunities across agricultural value chains, helping to nurture a new generation of agripreneurs capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
“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,” he stated.
The NYSC Director-General commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, and other development partners for their commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural transformation. 
He also called for sustained public support to harness the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Nigerian youths in securing the nation’s future, while pledging the Scheme’s full support for the successful implementation of the fund.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme would create employment opportunities for young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain.
He explained that the ministry, working with development partners and other stakeholders, is committed to expanding economic opportunities and jobs for youths nationwide. According to him, the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund is a national initiative aimed at mobilising young Nigerians to participate actively in agricultural production and agribusiness development.
Olawande stressed that state governments, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector players all have critical roles to play in ensuring the programme’s success.
“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 innovation and development, highlighting the growing role of youth-led enterprises in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
