By Nafiu Toyin Abdulqadri.
The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards empowering Nigerian youth in the agricultural sector. The Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, recently received a delegation from the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP), which aims to create direct jobs for young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain.
Minister for Youth Development
During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the progress of the NIYEEDEP project and the upcoming launch of a youth farmers enrollment portal. This portal will provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to apply for agricultural grants and support, and is expected to be unveiled on January 17, 2025, in Abuja.
The NIYEEDEP initiative seeks to empower young Nigerians by creating direct jobs in key sectors such as agriculture, agro-allied industries, technology, the creative economy, and sports. The program aims to transform youth from job seekers into entrepreneurs, and is part of the government’s efforts to address the economic challenges facing the country.
Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the National Coordinator of NIYEEDEP, emphasized the importance of the partnership between the Ministry and NIYEEDEP, stating that it was intended to mobilize young Nigerians to address current economic challenges.
The Minister expressed his appreciation to the delegation for their efforts in assisting the government in solving the problem of unemployment faced by Nigerian youth. He also reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards fulfilling his responsibilities to Nigerian youth, especially in areas of capacity building, youth empowerment, skills training, and job creation.
