On Wednesday, July 10th, 2024, the Honorable Minister of State for Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, welcomed the National Bamboo Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria to his office. Led by their National President, Mr. Ukeme Nyah, the delegation met with the Minister to explore opportunities for youth employment and empowerment, a priority area for the Ministry.
During their presentation, the delegation highlighted the numerous economic and environmental advantages of bamboo, showcasing its potential to generate employment opportunities and drive exports. They elaborated on the versatile uses of bamboo, ranging from sustainable forest management to innovative industrial applications, emphasizing its vast potential for economic growth and ecological sustainability.
The Minister praised the delegation for their initiative and foresight in recognizing the potential of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) to empower young people. He expressed his commitment to supporting the group’s endeavors and promised to collaborate with them to integrate bamboo into the ministry’s programs, promoting climate action and championing the use of indigenous resources. By doing so, he aims to harness the benefits of bamboo to drive sustainable development and youth empowerment.