The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), the Ministry of Youth Development, and the Niger State Government have decided to work together to empower 100,000 young people through a National Youth Agricultural Scheme.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed in this regard by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Youth Development Minister Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Niger Foods Chairman Sammy Adigun, and NALDA CEO/Executive Secretary Mr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo.

At the MoU signing ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Olawande, commended the Governor of Niger State for his efforts in ensuring a stable food supply in Nigeria, as well as in job creation and youth empowerment.

Director, Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, in a statement in Abuja, said the Minister emphasised that the tripartite agreement would strengthen the relationship between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Niger State Government, and NALDA.

Olawande noted that the agreement is a testament to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in ensuring food security and job creation for Nigerian youth.

Mr Sammy Adigun, the Chairman of Niger Foods, explained that the partnership aims to produce half a million tons of food, with each youth earning N150,000 in the first year, with the prospect of earning millions over the next four to five years.

Niger State is a prime example of agricultural growth, which makes it a perfect place to start this cooperation for youth development, according to Mr Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NALDA.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his happiness and hailed the partnership between NALDA and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development as a historic accomplishment.

The governor hoped the deal would achieve its goals, pointing out that Nigerian youth can succeed with little assistance.