The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to launch the Youth Farmers Enrollment Portal as part of its initiative to create direct employment for Nigerian youth across the agricultural value chain.
The announcement came during a meeting between the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP) team and the Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, on Monday.
- Portal Unveiling
- Date: January 17, 2025.
- Location: Abuja.
- Purpose: To provide Nigerian youth with opportunities to apply for agricultural grants, receive support, and secure jobs within the agricultural value chain.
- Objective
- Create millions of direct jobs for Nigerian youth.
- Transform youth from job seekers into entrepreneurs.
- Empower youth in agriculture, agro-allied industries, technology, the creative economy, and sports.
- Significance of Agriculture
- Agriculture remains Nigeria’s largest employer, with over 25 million individuals engaged in farming, forestry, and fishing, representing 30.1% of the workforce (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
- Wholesale and retail trade ranks second, employing 27.5% of the workforce (23.1 million individuals).
- Stakeholder Engagement
- The unveiling ceremony will include government officials, industry leaders, NGOs, development partners, and youth groups to ensure widespread collaboration and impact.
- Minister’s Comments
- The Minister urged NIYEEDEP to ensure tangible outcomes ahead of the portal’s unveiling, emphasizing the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering youth through capacity building, skills training, and job creation.
- He commended the initiative, stressing its role in addressing unemployment among young Nigerians.
NIYEEDEP’s Vision
- Led by National Coordinator Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the program focuses on leveraging agriculture and related industries to address youth unemployment and foster economic growth.
- Partnerships include organizations such as the American Association of Grant Writers and international collaborators like Bayern Munich Football Club’s African representative, Mr. Victor Obinna Edeh.
This initiative highlights the Federal Government’s dedication to addressing unemployment while boosting Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which serves as a vital backbone of the economy.
The upcoming portal is expected to catalyze economic engagement and entrepreneurial growth among Nigerian youth.