May 16, 2025 — In a new move to boost youth empowerment and drive growth in the livestock sector, the Kwara State Government has launched a livestock agribusiness programme targeted at young people, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, during her recent visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Tsaragi District of Edu Local Government Area. She was joined by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, to explain the goals of the new initiative.
Mrs. Thomas said the state aims to make Kwara a centre for livestock innovation and youth enterprise. “Our vision is clear; transforming young people from job seekers into job creators in the livestock space,” she said. The programme will train and support young Nigerians who are interested in livestock farming and agribusiness.
According to the Commissioner, the government is partnering with NYSC to use the Yikpata camp as a base for training. The training will cover livestock production, agribusiness development, and access to funding, giving participants the tools they need to start or expand their livestock ventures.
The livestock training programme will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be run through a public-private partnership model. Participants will undergo three months of hands-on training. After that, they will receive starter packs and input support to help them kick-start their businesses.
Although corps members will be a major part of the programme, the initiative is also open to other youths across the state. “During off-camp seasons, the NYSC facility will be opened up to other young people who are eager to venture into livestock agribusiness,” she said.
In response, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, the NYSC State Coordinator, praised the initiative and confirmed the readiness of the NYSC camp to host the programme. He urged the government to ensure proper security around the facility.
The Commissioner also paid a visit to the Etsu of Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, to seek royal blessings and inform him about the youth empowerment programme.
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This move supports the state’s goal to promote youth agribusiness, livestock investment opportunities, and sustainable rural development under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration.