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Ogun aquaculture generates ₦9.17bn for over 4,200 fish farmers

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Ogun aquaculture generates ₦9.17bn for over 4,200 fish farmers

The Ogun State Government has disclosed that its aquaculture support programme under the World Bank-backed Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has generated an estimated ₦9.17 billion in revenue for fish farmers across the state, following sustained investments in feed subsidies, infrastructure development and capacity building.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, according to a statement on Tuesday, made this known in Eriwe, Ijebu, while addressing stakeholders during an ongoing inspection of OGSTEP-funded agricultural projects across fish clusters and farm settlements in Ogun State.

Owotomo disclosed that a total of 4,256 aquaculture farmers have benefitted from the various intervention programmes, which were designed to boost fish production, reduce production costs and improve farmers’ incomes across different communities in the state.

He explained that the government supplied 195,436 bags of fish feed to farmers at a 30 per cent subsidy, representing a direct government investment of ₦2,745,875,800 to cushion the impact of rising input costs and improve production efficiency.

According to the commissioner, the intervention resulted in an estimated aquaculture output of 4,256 metric tons of fish, contributing significantly to food security in the state and reducing dependence on imported fish to meet local demand.

Owotomo added that the state government also extended support to the poultry subsector, with 1,272 broiler farmers benefitting from the programme, while 77,703 bags of broiler feeds were distributed to farmers across the state.

He further disclosed that some broiler farmers were supported with the production of 500 birds each and were linked to off-takers to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure steady income from poultry production.

During the inspection tour, the commissioner visited the Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction at the Eriwe Fish Farm Cluster, which comprises about 600 fish farmers and has been equipped with a modern fish processing facility.

He stated that the facilities include a five-tonne solar-powered blast freezer, a 10-tonne cold room, a 500 and 900-capacity chest freezer, four 50kg smoking kilns, three 100kg smoking kilns, 400-litre holding tanks and other processing equipment.

Owotomo also inspected ongoing fish processing facilities at the Ikangba Fish Farm Cluster, which has about 1,224 fish farmers, and the Ikenne Fish Farm Cluster, noting that similar infrastructure is being deployed in the Ibiade, Ado-Odo and Ilashe fish clusters.

He stressed that the OGSTEP intervention is statewide and inclusive, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, promoting value addition and stabilising prices across the aquaculture value chain for farmers and consumers.

“This is a clear demonstration that when government support is well-targeted, agriculture becomes profitable for farmers and beneficial to the economy,” the commissioner said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Angel Adelaja, the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Jamiu Asimi, and the Chairman of the Catfish Farmers Association in Ijebu, Mr Lazarus Okole, commended the government’s intervention, noting that the support has strengthened food production and improved livelihoods across the state.

Read also: FG Targets $74bn Livestock GDP in 10 Years

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FG Targets $74bn Livestock GDP in 10 Years

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FG Targets $74bn Livestock GDP in 10 Years

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to significantly boost the contribution of Nigeria’s livestock sub-sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, targeting an increase from $32 billion to over $74 billion within the next 10 years.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ilorin during a livestock stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Kwara State Government. The event brought together more than 250 stakeholders drawn from different segments of the livestock value chain.

Represented at the engagement by his Special Adviser, Mr Mark Mbaram, the minister said the Federal Government was fully committed to repositioning the livestock sector as a key driver of food security, employment generation, and sustainable economic growth across the country.

According to him, food security remains a vital aspect of national security, which informed the decision of the present administration to give renewed attention to livestock development. He said the government was determined to unlock the vast potential of the sub-sector through deliberate policies and long-term planning.

“The present administration plans to increase the contribution of the livestock sub-sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product from $32 billion to over $74 billion within the next 10 years,” the minister stated, adding that the target was achievable with coordinated efforts across federal and state levels.

Maiha explained that the ministry had developed a National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy aimed at improving productivity, enhancing value addition, and expanding market opportunities within the sector. He said the strategy had been internalised and approved by the National Economic Council.

He added that a special committee had also been constituted to focus on ranching as a sustainable and modern model for livestock development in Nigeria. According to him, ranching offers better animal control, improved yields, and reduced conflicts.

The minister stressed that open grazing and itinerant herding were no longer sustainable in the face of population growth, environmental pressures, and economic realities. He noted that ranching remained the most viable option for modern livestock production.

“The era of nomadism is gradually fading because it is no longer productive or profitable. Ranching allows for better animal management, higher productivity, and increased returns on investment,” he said.

Maiha listed opportunities within the livestock sector to include beef production, poultry, dairy farming, and micro-ruminant production, noting that the sector could generate millions of jobs if properly harnessed. He said the sub-sector, once seen as a challenge, could now become a major economic asset.

He commended the Kwara State Government for its commitment to livestock development, describing the state as an important partner in implementing the ministry’s vision at the sub-national level.

In her remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the state government was addressing challenges facing the livestock sub-sector through regular stakeholder engagement and policy-driven interventions.

She said participants at the programme included poultry farmers, pastoralists, crop farmers, ranchers’ associations, feed millers, the Nigerian Animal Science Association, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, and youth-led farming groups.

Also speaking, the Director of Livestock Services in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmad Umar, said the sector had suffered years of neglect despite its huge economic potential. He noted that proper coordination could significantly boost national revenue.

On his part, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Olugbon Abdullateef Salman, stressed the importance of animal health, urging farmers to prioritise vaccination and proper care to improve productivity and prevent disease transmission.

Read also: Apply: FG 3MTT National Impact Challenge

NCDMB, Inter Core Train 100 Youths in Meter Assembly

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NCDMB, Inter Core Train 100 Youths in Meter Assembly

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Inter Core Solutions Limited, has commenced a five-day training programme for 100 Nigerian youths focused on meter assembly, installation, and calibration within the oil and gas sector.

The capacity-building initiative began on January 19, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on January 23, 2026. The training is being held in Lagos State and brings together participants selected to gain practical technical skills relevant to industry operations.

According to the organisers, the programme is designed to equip participants with hands-on knowledge in assembling, installing, and calibrating meters commonly used across oil and gas facilities. This practical exposure is expected to improve their technical competence and readiness for employment.

The training sessions combine classroom instruction with field-based demonstrations, allowing participants to understand industry standards, safety practices, and equipment handling. At the end of the programme, participants will receive certificates recognising skills.

The collaboration between NCDMB and Inter Core Solutions Limited reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen local content development through targeted skills training. By investing in youth capacity building, the partners aim to support workforce development and encourage Nigerian participation across the oil and gas value chain.

Read also: NBTE to create Polytechnic Commission to end HND discrimination

NBTE to create Polytechnic Commission to end HND discrimination

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NBTE to create Polytechnic Commission to end HND discrimination

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), under the leadership of Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, is driving a legislative reform to establish a National Polytechnic Commission and allow polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees as a direct move to end the long-standing HND-B.Sc. dichotomy in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Prof. Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, has positioned the agency at the centre of efforts to correct structural inequalities that have affected polytechnic graduates for decades. The reform agenda is anchored on sustained engagement with the National Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

NBTE’s reform push is aimed at reshaping the future of polytechnic education through legislation that recognises the role of technical education in national development. Prof. Bugaje’s approach combines evidence-based advocacy, diplomacy and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the interests of polytechnic institutions, students and graduates are embedded in the legislative process while maintaining standards, sustainability and coherence within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training framework.

At the centre of the effort is the proposed National Polytechnic Commission (NPC) Bill. The bill seeks to create a dedicated regulatory and policy oversight body for the polytechnic subsector. Its responsibilities include advising government on the establishment and development of polytechnics, preparing national development plans, approving new institutions and academic programmes, and enforcing quality assurance across the sector.

The bill is widely regarded as a decisive step toward dismantling decades of institutional discrimination against Higher National Diploma holders. It has progressed through key deliberative stages in the House of Representatives under the Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, chaired by Hon. Fu’ad Laguda.

Throughout the process, Prof. Bugaje has personally engaged legislators, committee chairmen and principal officers of the National Assembly, consistently underscoring the importance of polytechnic education to Nigeria’s industrialisation, technological advancement and workforce development. Beyond the legislature, NBTE has led extensive consultations with rectors, provosts, labour unions, professional bodies and industry stakeholders to build national consensus around the proposed commission.

These engagements have helped position the NPC Bill as a national priority within Nigeria’s education reform agenda. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Council on Education (NCE), NBTE has ensured that the reforms follow a coherent and nationally aligned framework. Stakeholders note that the reforms are not framed as mere institutional restructuring, but as a strategic pathway for improving governance quality, relevance and public perception of polytechnic education.

The bill, now at the Second Reading stage, marks a major milestone in the reconfiguration of Nigeria’s tertiary education architecture. It seeks to correct inequities that have constrained the polytechnic sector, limited professional mobility and violated the principle of non-discrimination enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and relevant international conventions.

Speaker Abbas has described the proposed dual mandate for polytechnics as a landmark legislative reform. The amendment allows polytechnics to continue awarding National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas while also conferring Bachelor of Technology Honours degrees in Technology, Engineering and Vocational Sciences, directly confronting the HND-B.Sc. divide.

When enacted, the NPC Bill is expected to expand access to degree-level education, secure professional recognition for polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as engines of industrial growth, innovation and productivity aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. As Napoleon Hill observed, “Victory belongs to the most persevering.”

Read Also: FG to give TVET trainees grant and BOI loan

Ondo Empowers 200 Women With Vocational Tools After Skill Training

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Ondo Empowers 200 Women With Vocational Tools After Skill Training

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has provided vocational tools to 200 women who successfully completed training under the O’Datiwa Skill Acquisition Programme, an entrepreneurial initiative aimed at improving livelihoods across the state.

The beneficiaries received hands-on training in Information and Communication Technology, tailoring, soap making, catering services, interior decoration and other practical skills designed to meet current market needs.

The programme was sponsored by the Ondo State government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as part of a broader effort to promote economic inclusion and reduce poverty among women.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the first batch of 200 beneficiaries on Tuesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the initiative aligns with his administration’s poverty alleviation agenda.

Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor stated that the skill acquisition programme would remain continuous, noting that empowering women is critical to sustainable development in the state.

“Today, we gather not just to celebrate certificates, but to celebrate transformation, the transformation of our graduands from unemployed individuals into skilled, confident and empowered women ready to contribute to the economy of our dear state.”

He said the women spent months undergoing rigorous training at the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre, learning tailoring, interior decoration, soap making, catering services and ICT.

Aiyedatiwa praised the commitment shown by the participants, stressing that when government provides opportunities and citizens show dedication, meaningful progress can be achieved.

“I want to assure you that this kind of training will continue under our administration, as it is not a one-off initiative but the beginning of a long-term empowerment drive.”

The governor urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills they acquired responsibly, maintain ethical standards, satisfy customers and keep learning in order to improve their businesses.

“As you receive your certificates and empowerment materials, see this moment as a launchpad and not a finish line, become job creators, start small enterprises and take pride in your work.”

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, said the empowerment would help the women earn a stable living and regain confidence.

She explained that many beneficiaries were previously hopeless with no reliable source of income, but the training and tools have given them a sustainable means of survival.

“The state government has shown that women do not need token support but real empowerment to become self-reliant and raise stronger generations for the future.”

Osamaye added that after six months of training, the 200 women are now equipped with practical skills that protect them from ridicule and dependency.

The empowerment initiative comes days after Governor Aiyedatiwa granted amnesty to seven inmates across Nigeria Correctional Centres in Ondo State to mark his 61st birthday.

Officials said similar programmes will be expanded to reach more vulnerable women in communities statewide in coming months ahead soon.

Read also: Katsina Govt Empowers 14,450 Women Across 34 LGAs

Ajadi to Give Free JAMB Forms to 10,000 Oyo Students

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Ajadi to Give Free JAMB Forms to 10,000 Oyo Students

Over 10,000 indigent students across Oyo State are set to benefit from a free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, scholarship initiative introduced by a leading People’s Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, as part of efforts to ease access to tertiary education for young people in the state.

Disclosing the initiative, Ambassador Ajadi said the programme will cover free JAMB forms and free coaching classes for candidates across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State during the 2026 examination cycle. He explained that the intervention is designed to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians while encouraging students to pursue higher education despite current economic challenges.

The PDP governorship aspirant stated that at least 300 students are expected to benefit from the scheme in each local government area, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 10,000. According to him, the programme is open to all indigenes and residents of the state who meet the basic requirements, with the broader goal of supporting quality education and human capital development in Oyo State.

Ajadi noted that interested applicants must possess a National Identification Number, NIN, and General Certificate of Education, G.C.E, Ordinary Level results to qualify for the scholarship. He added that the distribution of forms and screening exercise will be conducted at the 33 Local Government Secretariat offices of the PDP across the state, starting from Monday, January 19, and running until February 28, 2026.

“I want to build a solid foundation for the youths by making education attractive through financial grants, tech support and the provision of educational resources,” he said.

He further explained that education remains the foundation for future growth, stressing that his decision to sponsor JAMB forms for not less than 10,000 students has received positive feedback from parents and guardians. Ajadi said many families have expressed relief from the financial pressure associated with examination registration.

Emphasizing transparency, the PDP aspirant stated that selection will be on a first come, first served basis without bias. He added that he will continue to support development in Oyo State through empowerment initiatives.

Read also: Apply: Lagos State Bursary and Scholarship Awards 2025/2026

Katsina Govt Empowers 14,450 Women Across 34 LGAs

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Katsina Govt Empowers 14,450 Women Across 34 LGAs

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has flagged off an empowerment scheme for 14,450 women engaged in small businesses and traditional economic activities across the 34 Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

The flag-off took place on Tuesday at the People’s Square, with widows, mothers, artisans, traders, farmers, tailors, food processors, and other vulnerable citizens listed among the beneficiaries of the programme.

Speaking during the disbursement ceremony, Governor Radda described women as the engine of the state’s economy, noting that their daily efforts have powered and sustained markets for decades while preserving Katsina’s cultural heritage.

According to him, women play a central role in household stability and community growth, adding that when women control income, up to 90 percent is invested back into families’ nutrition, children’s education, and community wellbeing.

“Empowering women is not just policy, it’s a peace-building initiative. Today we are not just investing in businesses, we are investing in hope, stability, and the future of Katsina State,” the governor said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, A’isha Malumfashi, said the initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the state government to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

Malumfashi explained that the programme aligns with the governor’s Building Your Future Strategic Document, which serves as a collective vision for reducing poverty, strengthening livelihoods, and creating opportunities for women to become economically independent and self-reliant.

She noted that the empowerment scheme goes beyond financial assistance, stressing that it also focuses on restoring women’s dignity, building confidence, and unlocking hidden potential across sectors of the local economy.

The commissioner urged beneficiaries to make effective and responsible use of the support provided to grow their businesses, support their families, and serve as ambassadors of positive change.

“When we empower a woman, we know that we have empowered a family and a community; thus, community will thrive and prosper,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State First Lady, Zulaihat Radda, described women as the backbone of families, communities, and the local economy, urging beneficiaries to use the empowerment opportunity to secure a brighter future.

She announced that sanitary pads would soon be distributed to 10,000 women across the state under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu.

“I am grateful for my husband for his women’s inclusion vision in his governance,” Mrs Radda stated.

Read Also: Apply: Women Techsters Cohort 5.0 Bootcamp 2026

Rivers launches Farm to Future agribusiness training scheme 2026

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Rivers launches Farm to Future agribusiness training scheme 2026

The Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has officially launched the Farm to Future Project and the Agribusiness Training Scheme 2026, an intensive 10-day programme aimed at empowering youths across all 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

The initiative, also known as the School to Land Agribusiness Training Scheme, is designed to equip Rivers State youths with passion for agriculture, practical skills, and entrepreneurial capacity across several agricultural value chains. These include poultry production, piggery, fisheries, aquaculture, and mushroom production.

Launching the programme, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Victor Kii, said the scheme was structured to address a critical gap in the sector. He explained that the programme was created to bridge the disconnect between learning and agricultural practice.

According to him, “the programme will cover a wide range of agricultural value chains and expose participants to experiences that prepare them for opportunities in agribusiness.”

He further stated that the initiative reflects the Rivers State Government’s commitment to empowering farmers and agripreneurs in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative championed nationwide by the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He noted that the alignment is focused on addressing food insecurity and promoting economic resilience.

Running from January 19 to January 29, 2026, the programme aims to equip participants with practical agribusiness skills in modern agriculture and business development. The curriculum features hands-on mentorship in crop cultivation, livestock farming, and aquaculture production.

Beyond primary production, the training emphasizes agro-processing and value addition to support industrialisation. Participants are exposed to agricultural technology and modern management practices.

Beneficiaries from the first batch commended the state government for the initiative and pledged to put the knowledge gained into use. During the launch event, accredited participants were issued starter packs to help them transition into the agricultural sector.

The state government described the scheme as an effort by Governor Fubara’s administration to reduce youth unemployment while boosting food security. It warned that only beneficiaries who demonstrate seriousness, commitment, and proper setup will qualify for empowerment.

Read Also: NJFP 2.0 Approves Fellows!

UNILAG Empowers 14,000 Youths, Supports 61 Startups

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UNILAG Empowers 14,000 Youths, Supports 61 Startups

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has empowered more than 14,000 young people and supported 61 startups across different sectors within the university community, marking a significant milestone in youth empowerment and innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, disclosed this on Tuesday at the university’s 56th convocation ceremonies. She explained that the institution, through several hubs and programmes, has continued to support innovation and skills development among students and youths.

According to her, initiatives such as the Innovation Technology and Management Office (ITMO), the Entrepreneurship Skills Development Centre (ESDC), and the Nigerian Innovation Technology Hub (NITHub) played key roles in achieving the results recorded by the university.

“Over 14,000 both students and youth from the town were trained in 2025 alone; 61 startups supported, with some securing external funding,” Ogunsola said.

She further revealed that “58 IP rights were processed, supported 43 startups, 29 was registered. More than N250 million was awarded for prototype development.”

Ogunsola added that about 10,000 participants were engaged across entrepreneurship and skills programmes, noting that the outcomes exceeded annual targets and reflected expanding national and global influence.

The vice-chancellor also announced that the university attracted grants valued at $17.38 million, equivalent to about N24 billion, within the last one year, largely from health-related research supported by organisations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ASAP, ARUA, and TETFund.

In the area of academic restructuring, Ogunsola disclosed that UNILAG expanded from 12 to 19 faculties following Senate approval to unbundle key disciplines to improve academic focus and governance.

She explained that the university now has five faculties under the College of Medicine and 14 faculties at the Akoka campus. Some of the new faculties include Creative Arts, Basic Clinical Sciences, Health Professions, Architecture, Physical and Earth Sciences, Computing and Informatics, and Communication and Media Studies.

Meanwhile, a total of 3,136 students graduated at the convocation ceremony held on Tuesday. Ogunsola provided a breakdown of results for the Faculty of Education, Communication and Media Studies, and Social Sciences.

She stated that the Faculty of Education recorded 1,735 graduating students, with 42 first-class degrees, 789 second class-upper, 750 second class-lower, 148 third class, and six passes.

For the Faculty of Education Sandwich programme, she said 389 students graduated, including nine first-class, 206 second class-upper, 151 second class-lower, 22 third class, and one pass.

The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies graduated 274 students, with 25 first-class, 205 second class-upper, 41 second class-lower, and three third class degrees.

In the Faculty of Social Sciences, Ogunsola said 738 students graduated, comprising 42 first-class, 376 second class-upper, 266 second class-lower, 46 third class, and eight passes.

She identified David Adebayo, with a CGPA of 4.92, as the best graduating student in the Faculty of Education. Tosin Odunewu, with a CGPA of 4.89, emerged as the joint best graduating student in the Sciences and the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

According to her, the Faculty of Social Sciences produced Baki Adams as its best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.85, while the Sandwich Programme best student was Stella Okeke with a CGPA of 4.91.

The vice-chancellor also announced that the university would confer honorary degrees on two Nigerians. She said Jubril Tinubu would receive the Doctor of Business degree, while Kanu Agabi would be awarded the Doctor of Laws degree.

Read Also: Apply: Women Techsters Cohort 5.0 Bootcamp 2026

IITA, Mastercard Foundation create 90,000 jobs through I-Youth

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IITA, Mastercard Foundation create 90,000 jobs through I-Youth

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has generated more than 90,000 employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Nigerian youths, women, and persons with disabilities through the Innovative Youth in Agriculture (I-Youth) project.

The programme, launched in 2020, is designed to equip young people aged 15 to 35 with technical, entrepreneurial, and business skills needed to build agribusinesses or secure dignified employment across the agrifood system. Implementation took place in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Jigawa, and Adamawa states, with strong attention given to inclusion and access for underserved groups.

Speaking at the Phase I closeout ceremony, the Director-General of IITA and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, stressed the value of deliberate investment in young people as a driver of development.

“I-Youth demonstrates what happens when vision, partnership, and opportunity converge. When young people are given skills, mentorship, and access to markets, they do not just seek jobs; they create them,” Ehui said.

He explained that the achievements recorded under the project were made possible through collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, state governments, private sector partners, training institutions, and community leaders. According to him, the initiative supported the establishment of 36,053 youth-led agribusinesses and contributed to the creation of agribusiness parks, innovation hubs, and cooperative clusters.

Also speaking at the event, the Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation in Nigeria, Ms Rosy Fynn, highlighted the role of I-Youth in advancing the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy.

“I-Youth has been a major contributor to our goal of enabling 10 million Nigerians to access dignified and fulfilling work. The numbers reached represent real lives transformed and stronger communities,” Fynn said.

She also commended the Start Them Early Program (STEP), noting that it enabled secondary school students and their families to establish more than 5,900 homegrown agribusiness ventures.

Beneficiaries of the programme also shared their experiences. Olumide Garuba from Lagos State said I-Youth helped him formalise his agribusiness and employ other youths, while Mariam Abass from Kaduna State said the project empowered her to overcome gender barriers and rebuild her poultry business.

Panel discussions at the event focused on inclusive agribusiness development and scaling youth-led enterprises. Speakers stressed the need for better access to finance, stronger market linkages, and sustained post-training support, especially for women and persons with disabilities.

Lessons from I-Youth’s implementation in five Nigerian states are now guiding similar initiatives in Sierra Leone and Liberia, showing influence West Africa.

Read Also: Seplat Achieves First Gas at 300MMscfd ANOH Project

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