The Niger Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Youths Development to engage corps members in agricultural activities to support food security. The signing ceremony took place at the Government House in Minna, with Governor Mohammed Bago representing the state and Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, representing the ministry.
Governor Bago highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for food security and focuses on youth empowerment through agriculture. He emphasized that with youth comprising 80% of Nigeria’s population, venturing into agriculture would help them become self-reliant. The partnership aims to leverage the manpower represented by the corps members, addressing the need for more professionals in the agricultural value chain.
The governor also mentioned that the state is committed to an agricultural revolution, including building the largest greenhouse estate in Africa, which could employ a million people. Additionally, the state is developing 100 farm estates and cultivating 250,000 hectares of land across its 25 local government areas.
Minister Bio-Ibrahim praised the governor for his dedication to supporting the NYSC and for investing in the construction of a permanent NYSC camp in the state. She noted that this partnership would help the NYSC become self-sustaining amid current economic changes.