Federal Government Launches Youth Farmers Enrollment Portal to Tackle Unemployment and Food Insecurity

In a bold step towards addressing the dual challenges of unemployment and food insecurity, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Youth Development, launched the Youth Farmers Enrollment Portal on January 18, 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s efforts to empower its youth and revitalize the agricultural sector.

Reflecting on the event held in Abuja, the ceremony was not merely a policy announcement but a call to action for millions of young Nigerians. The portal, a product of collaboration with the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP), represents a vision to integrate the nation’s youth into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic agenda.

The urgency of the initiative was underscored by Comrade Olawande’s passionate address:
“This intervention is not just another policy—it is a lifeline for our young people. It aligns with our mission to create 6 million jobs in agriculture, food production, and agro-allied industries in 2025. It is about securing the future of our nation through youth empowerment and sustainable development.”

The initiative offers young Nigerians, aged 18 to 35, access to cutting-edge agricultural training, modern farming techniques, mentorship programs, financial support, and resources to establish or expand their agricultural ventures. It also aims to mitigate household poverty and hunger while promoting national security through enhanced food production.

Director of Information & Public Relations, Omolara Esan, elaborated on the program’s broader impact:
“This is more than an agricultural drive; it is a comprehensive plan to empower our youth with the skills and resources they need to thrive. Rural and urban areas alike will witness job creation, poverty alleviation, and a boost in food security. It is a step towards a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.”

The reflections of the launch echo a pivotal realization—Nigeria’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also the agents of change today. Through initiatives like this, the government is fostering a generation that is skilled, innovative, and prepared to lead the country towards economic self-sufficiency.

Comrade Olawande urged young Nigerians to seize this opportunity by visiting the enrollment portal at www.niyeedep.org. The program offers a pathway not only to personal success but also to contributing to the nation’s agricultural and economic resurgence.

As the country moves forward, the launch of the Youth Farmers Enrollment Portal serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that the solutions to some of Nigeria’s greatest challenges lie in empowering its most valuable resource—its youth.