The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, MNSE, has lauded the Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, for the impactful ‘National Youth in Agriculture Training Programme.’
The commendation was delivered in a statement signed by Damilola Kushimo, Special Assistant to the NYCN Lagos Chairman on Media and Publicity, highlighting the importance of the programme in tackling youth unemployment and fostering economic independence.
The two-week intensive programme, targeted at unemployed youths across Nigeria’s Southwest and Southeast regions, focused on equipping participants with essential skills in agriculture and agribusiness. It covered areas such as fish farming and preservation, cassava processing and value addition, and beekeeping and honey production.
In addition to these technical skills, participants received training in financial literacy, risk management, and leadership, creating a holistic approach to empowerment.
Adigun described the initiative as a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to youth development and reducing unemployment.
“This programme demonstrates the government’s understanding of the potential within our youth and its commitment to equipping them with the tools they need to thrive,” he remarked. He further encouraged beneficiaries, particularly those from Lagos, to maximize the opportunities presented by the training. “This is a golden chance to transform your lives,” Adigun emphasized. “Use this training to establish yourselves and aspire to become employers rather than employees.”
Adigun also extended his gratitude to the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, for his unwavering support in ensuring Lagos youths benefited from the programme.
The youth leader concluded by urging more collaboration between federal and state governments to expand such initiatives, ensuring that no youth is left behind in the drive for economic empowerment and national growth.
This programme, seen as a model for youth-focused development, underscores the significant role agriculture can play in addressing unemployment while fostering innovation and self-sufficiency among Nigeria’s youth.
