The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Education under the IDEAS-TVET initiative, has launched an intensive training programme for youths in crop production. The initiative, supported by the World Bank, aims to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, enhance employability, and boost economic growth through innovation and inclusivity.
As part of the programme, JOLAP Business Ventures Nigeria Limited was engaged as a service provider to organize the training for 200 youths in Ibadan, Oyo State. The training, which is being implemented in collaboration with Hort Consultancy Ventures Limited, an arm of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, is designed to equip young Nigerians with hands-on agricultural and agribusiness skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.
In his welcome address, the Training Project Manager, Mr. Gabriel Oyedola, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the official flag-off of the JOLAP Business Venture Training Program under the IDEAS-TVET 2 Project. Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards empowering 200 youths with skills and knowledge in crop production. I am confident that through this programme, our participants will gain valuable insights and skills that will empower them to become successful entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. I would like to assure you that our team is committed to providing the best possible training experience for our participants. We have assembled a team of experienced trainers who will guide and mentor our participants throughout this programme.”
Delivering a goodwill message, the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, represented by Mr. Akintunde Babatunde, stated: “Today’s event represents far more than a training launch—it is a renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s skills ecosystem. The IDEAS Project, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank, is a strategic intervention to strengthen technical and vocational education and training institutions, enhance employability, and stimulate economic growth through innovation, productivity, and inclusiveness.”
Addressing the trainees, Ogwu added: “This is your moment. Seize it with passion and discipline. The knowledge and practical competencies you will gain here are not just skills—they are tools for independence, creativity, and nation-building. IDEAS–TVET is designed to give you the edge to compete, innovate, and lead.”
The Executive Director of NIHORT, Professor Muhammed L. Attanda, reaffirmed the institute’s support as the host for the training programme. He said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to achieve food sufficiency, emphasizing that NIHORT remains committed to providing the tools, expertise, and manpower necessary for the programme’s success.
