Abuja: The Federal Government has called on Nigerian youths to take ownership of their economic future by venturing into agribusiness and other productive enterprises, rather than waiting for government jobs. The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, emphasized this during the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Youth and Women in Agribusiness convened by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the event was ‘Access to Finance and Empowering Youth and Women for Agribusiness Success.’ Olawande stated that the government is collaborating with the AfDB to create a robust proposal aimed at tackling the essential challenges young people face. He stressed the importance of youth creating jobs and moving away from seeking government employment. With adequate support, he believes that youths can expand businesses and alleviate poverty.
Olawande outlined that the ministry’s youth empowerment plan is based on three pillars: human capital development, infrastructural upgrade of youth centers, and providing practical skills for employment and enterprise in agriculture and technology. The focus is on bridging the skill gap to prepare young people for work in today’s economy, including sectors like farming, technology, and the grain industry. The initiative is not just about financial aid but equipping youths with tools, support, and safe spaces to succeed.
He highlighted the disconnect between youth and government, noting that young Nigerians often feel overlooked. Olawande pointed out the readiness of many young people to work in agriculture, albeit without adequate support. He urged AfDB and other partners to continue supporting Nigerian youths and women and encouraged dialogue participants to leverage the opportunity for inclusive economic growth. Efforts are underway to upgrade youth development centers nationwide as hubs for training, mentorship, and enterprise support in agribusiness.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, also spoke, emphasizing agribusiness as a commercial venture rather than a subsistence activity. Bagudu explained that the government is focused on policies promoting the transition of Nigerians into agriculture-based enterprises, with collaboration at federal, state, and local levels being crucial. The National Economic Council recently approved a ward-based development program under the Renewed Hope Agenda to support agricultural activities nationwide.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, discussed a livestock initiative targeting 37,000 youths and women across Nigeria. The program, including the distribution of animals and agricultural inputs, aims to boost food and nutrition security, enhance income generation, and increase livestock productivity. Maiha invited the AfDB to collaborate on this transformative initiative.
Prof. Attahiru Jega, Special Adviser to the President on Livestock, praised the AfDB for the event and reiterated the necessity of policies for national development. Prof. Tunji Olaopa also commended the AfDB’s commitment and stressed the need for policy-level support to dismantle barriers, provide mentorship, and ensure equal access to resources like land.
