Policy Advisor, Food Security and Climate, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Mr Foluso Adejoro, has highlighted agriculture as a strategic avenue through which Nigerian youth can secure meaningful livelihoods and drive national development.
Adejoro spoke in Abuja during a gathering of young agripreneurs hosted by the IITA Youth in Sustainable Agriculture initiative.
He explained that the Netherlands has witnessed steady progress in its agricultural cooperation with Nigeria and intends to expand its support in the coming years.
According to him, the readiness of many young Nigerians to take on new opportunities makes the agricultural sector a natural space for deeper collaboration.
The event also highlighted ongoing work by the IITA Youth in Agribusiness unit to help young people develop sustainable ventures.
The Chief Executive of the unit and leader of the Youth in Sustainable Agriculture Project, Ms Aline Mugisho, said the initiative has guided thousands of young Nigerians from early stage ideas to functioning businesses.
Mugisho revealed that the project has already facilitated the creation of more than seven thousand eight hundred enterprises.
Participants undergo intensive training in business development, receive mentorship from established entrepreneurs and get assistance with regulatory requirements such as business registration and food processing certifications. Those working in crop production are also tutored in appropriate farming practices.
She added that every graduate of the programme is given a starter kit containing materials or inputs needed to launch their operations. Mugisho noted that many of the beneficiaries are now active in processing, production and other areas of the value chain, demonstrating how targeted support can turn youthful ambition into viable agribusiness.
