The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is partnering with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to empower youth and drive sustainable economic development in a bid to address the rising challenges facing young Nigerians.
“It was a great honour to speak at the High-Level Policy Dialogue hosted by the African Development Bank, a trusted partner in youth and women empowerment across Africa,” said Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, Minister for Youth Development.
Ayodele stressed that the meeting is timely, especially as many Nigerian youths are eager to work and start businesses in agriculture and agribusiness. However, he noted that several obstacles still hinder their progress, including lack of finance, inadequate training, and the absence of secure and supportive environments.
According to him, the ministry is working with AfDB to design a strong proposal that directly addresses these issues. The strategy includes improving access to finance for youth-owned businesses, revamping Youth Development Centres nationwide, and offering practical skills training in agriculture, technology, and green industries.
“This is not just about funding, it’s about building systems of support that empower young Nigerians to create jobs, not just seek them,” he said.
Ayodele added that with help from the government, private sector, civil society, and development partners, the initiative will transform policy discussions into tangible economic growth and social inclusion.
