As part of its ongoing drive to empower youth-led agribusinesses across Nigeria, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has equipped 70 young farmers in Ibadan with critical inputs and tools to boost productivity and enterprise growth.
The initiative, implemented under IITA’s Youth in Agribusiness Project, builds on similar distributions recently held in Abuja, Kano, and Ogun States, with a clear focus on expanding access to agricultural technologies, inputs, and mentorship for youth-led ventures.
During the latest distribution at the institute’s headquarters in Ibadan, beneficiaries received a wide array of equipment including solar irrigation systems, improved cassava stems, garri fryers, maize seeds, fertilizers, seedling trays, coco peat, rotary slashers, fish and poultry feed, generators, and more.
Head of the IITA Genetic Resources Center, Prof. Michael Abberton, who represented the Senior Management Team, described the intervention as a key step in unlocking youth potential across major value chains.
“This initiative aligns with IITA’s decade-long commitment to youth in agribusiness. These tools will not only grow your farms but also create employment opportunities through expansion,” he said.
Reaffirming the institute’s support structure, Business Development Expert Idowu Osun, who represented the CEO of IITA Youth Agripreneurs, Dr. Aline Mugisho, encouraged the beneficiaries to engage fully with ongoing mentorship and networking activities.
“Agribusiness is big business, and you’re not alone. Tap into our coaching platforms and networks for lasting impact,” she urged.
Project Coordinator Adebayo Awotodunbo warned against misuse of the distributed items, disclosing that monitoring teams would assess their utilisation in the coming months.
“We are committed to accountability. Any beneficiary found selling the equipment will be delisted from the project,” he stated.
One of the beneficiaries, Ayomikun Oyesiji, expressed her appreciation, saying the training and support had brought a significant turnaround in her business operations.
