President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to food security and youth involvement in agribusiness was again emphasised at the graduation of 37 participants of the 2024/2025 Graduate Youth Empowerment Programme.
The event, held at the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority headquarters in Abeokuta on Wednesday, was led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru.
He noted that the Federal Government is determined to encourage young Nigerians to take up agripreneurship to address unemployment and boost food production.
Since the training scheme began in 2016, more than 200 agriculturally skilled graduates have been produced. The latest group received hands-on training in arable crop farming, poultry management, and fisheries.
Ashiru explained that the six-month training, which started in February, was designed to expose participants to the “nitty-gritty” of modern agriculture. He said it was also aimed at preparing them to contribute to food production, wealth creation, and job opportunities.
He congratulated the graduates for their discipline and dedication, announcing ₦500,000 startup capital for each of the 37 participants.
“In accordance with the Graduate Youth Empowerment Programme (GYEP) Operational Guidelines, and as a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to the success of our graduates, the Management of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority has approved the allocation of ₦500,000.00 as startup capital for each of our 37 graduating participants.
“The ₦500,000.00 you are receiving today is not merely a grant — it is an investment in Nigeria’s future, a seed that must be planted wisely to yield an abundant harvest. Your mission extends beyond personal success to national impact. This substantial investment of ₦18,500,000.00 represents more than financial support — it embodies our faith in your potential and our commitment to your success,” he said.
Ashiru encouraged the graduates to remain focused and disciplined. “You are not merely graduates; you are agents of change in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, job creators for the next generation, and food security champions for our nation,” he said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, for their support in sustaining the initiative.
Executive Director of Agricultural and Commercial Services, Mr. Sulaiman Akeem, said the training gave participants practical skills in poultry, fisheries, and crop production. He noted that the experience would enable them to create wealth and improve food production across the agricultural value chain.
One of the beneficiaries, Olalekan Daniel, praised the programme, saying the training had “sufficiently empowered them to join in the vanguard of boosting food production in the country.”
The Graduate Youth Empowerment Programme is one of the Federal Government’s major schemes to fight unemployment and strengthen food security through agripreneurship.
Since its launch in 2016, it has provided six months of practical training and mentorship for young Nigerians with an interest in agriculture. Areas covered include arable crop farming, poultry management, and fisheries.
The programme is part of Tinubu’s wider plan to make agriculture attractive to youth while boosting food production, creating jobs, and ensuring economic growth.
Over 200 graduates have already completed the scheme, many of whom have gone on to establish viable agribusiness ventures.
Each graduate also receives startup capital to begin their enterprise, reinforcing the government’s drive to build a new generation of agriculturally skilled entrepreneurs.