News in brief:
– The Green Money Project, launched at FUNAAB, aims to empower youth with modern agricultural skills and tools.
– The initiative supports food security and youth employment through training, loans, and market access for young farmers.
The Federal Government of Nigeria recently flagged off the Green Money Project, a presidential initiative designed to empower young Nigerians through agriculture. The launch event was held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.
This project, officially known as the Presidential Initiative for the Empowerment of Youth in Agriculture, aims to equip youths with skills in modern farming, boost food production, and reduce unemployment.
Supporting Tinubu’s food security emergency
Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Hon. Abiodun Yinusa, said the scheme is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
He explained that the initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and is meant to complement the work of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“The Green Money Project will attract, train, and support young Nigerians with modern agricultural skills, including mechanisation, climate-smart farming, and digital technologies,” Yinusa said.
He called on all stakeholders—governments, institutions, and private sector players—to collaborate in driving youth-led agricultural innovation across the country.
A four-pillar approach to agricultural transformation
Project Coordinator Charles Olufemi Folayan outlined four key focus areas of the initiative:
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Building a database of young farmers for effective tracking and support
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Training youth in modern farming methods and digital agricultural tools
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Providing access to inputs, equipment, and agribusiness loans
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Offering mentorship and connecting youth to local and international markets.
Folayan said the initiative is not just about farming, but building sustainable agribusinesses led by a new generation of farmers.
FUNAAB commended as host partner
Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olushola Kehinde, expressed appreciation for the choice of FUNAAB as a launch site and partner institution. He described the Green Money Project as a timely intervention that aligns with the university’s mission of agricultural development.
During a facility tour, the Vice Chancellor showcased the university’s contributions to agricultural research and production, adding that the partnership with the federal government would further enhance capacity building and value chain development.
