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The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Niger State Government, and NALDA have signed an MoU to involve 100,000 Nigerian youths in agriculture. The agreement, focused on food security and job creation, was signed at the Government House in Minna, Niger State.
Present at the ceremony were Comrade Ayodele Olawande (Minister of Youth Development), Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Mr. Sammy Adigun (Chairman of Niger Foods), and Mr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo (CEO of NALDA). Mr. Adigun highlighted the goal of producing 500,000 tons of food, with each youth earning N150,000 in the first year and potentially millions in subsequent years.
Comrade Olawande praised Governor Bago’s efforts in addressing food security and youth empowerment, emphasizing that the agreement aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Mr. Adebayo described Niger State as a prime location for agricultural initiatives, citing its leadership in agricultural development.
Governor Bago called the partnership a “landmark achievement” and expressed confidence in its success, noting the potential of Nigerian youth to excel with minimal support. The program aims to create jobs in agriculture, agro-allied industries, technology, the creative economy, and sports.
The Federal Government is also investing in modern agricultural techniques, such as irrigation and green technology, to enhance food sufficiency. Prof. Lateef Sanni urged the government to prioritize financial support for young farmers, advocating for accessible funding and low-interest loans.