The Federal Government (FG) has announced it is set to unveil a youth farmers enrollment portal as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and boost economic engagement among young Nigerians.
The announcement followed a meeting between the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and a delegation from the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP).
The delegation, led by NIYEEDEP National Coordinator, Kennedy Iyere, included representatives from the American Association of Grant Writers, Marc Paley and Staci Smith, as well as Victor Obinna Edeh, the African representative for Bayern Munich Football Club.
READ ALSO: Edo Election Tribunal to begin full hearing on Ighodalo vs Okpebholo case Wednesday
During the meeting, the delegation updated the Minister on the progress of the NIYEEDEP initiative, particularly the upcoming launch of the youth farmers’ enrollment portal.
The portal aims to create direct jobs for young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain, empowering them to become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.
Iyere emphasised the importance of the program in addressing the nation’s economic challenges, noting that it is designed to generate opportunities in agriculture, agro-allied industries, technology, the creative economy, and sports.
He added that the portal unveiling event, scheduled for January 17, 2025, in Abuja, will attract government officials, industry leaders, NGOs, development partners, and youth groups.
READ ALSO: National grid collapses to persist, says FG
“The portal is a critical step in operationalizing the NIYEEDEP initiative and transforming the lives of young Nigerians by equipping them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” Iyere stated.
In his remarks, Minister Olawande commended the delegation for their efforts to address youth unemployment and expressed his gratitude for their support.
He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through capacity building, skills development, and job creation.
“The government is dedicated to ensuring that Nigerian youth benefit from meaningful programs that deliver tangible results. This initiative reflects our resolve to create opportunities that uplift our young people,” the Minister said.
He urged the delegation to ensure the swift implementation of the project so that its impact is felt nationwide.
The youth farmers enrollment portal will provide Nigerian youth with access to agricultural grants and support, further advancing the government’s efforts to engage young people in productive and sustainable economic activities.
