The ECOWAS Youth Employability Project training, which began on Monday 17th November 2025, ended today at the Institute for Agricultural Research in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The programme focused on equipping young Nigerians with skills in organic agriculture, ginger cultivation, value addition, and agribusiness. Organisers said the sessions were designed to support youth interested in building careers that strengthen food security and promote sustainable farming.
The initiative aligns with the broader ECOWAS strategy to improve employability among young people across the region. Throughout the sessions, participants received hands-on demonstrations and expert-led explanations on agroecology, climate-smart organic methods, and business opportunities in sustainable agriculture. Many trainees expressed that the activities helped them understand new pathways for developing viable agricultural enterprises that can support income generation and rural economic growth.
As part of the closing activities, the delegation working with IAR on organic production and youth development paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of IAR, represented by Deputy Director Prof. Nafiu Abdu. The group included Dr. Gbadamosi R. Oyewole, ECOWAS Coordinator in Nigeria, Prof. Jude Obi, President of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Ali, Chief Executive Officer of COFARMS, and Prof. Uthman Lucky Arunah, IAR Coordinator and Programme Leader for the Legumes and Oil Seeds Programme.
During the meeting, the ECOWAS Coordinator praised IAR for what he described as an exceptional level of organisation. He noted that IAR Zaria stood out as the best-performing centre among the three ECOWAS-YEP sites in Nigeria, stating that the selection of participants, coordination of activities, and enthusiasm displayed by trainees were outstanding. He also pointed out that ECOWAS-YEP is running in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo to empower young people with the skills needed to improve agriculture sustainably.
The event ended with remarks from Assistant Director Research at IAR, Prof. L. J. Bamaiyi, who congratulated the participants and partners. He urged the trainees to put their new skills into practice and continue promoting organic agriculture, rural development, and youth-led innovation within their communities and growth.
