Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said the involvement of young Nigerians in agricultural development will reduce unemployment, strengthen the economy and make the nation self-sufficient in food production.
The President spoke on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja during the launch of National Young Farmers Scheme (NYFS) designed by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).
The President urged agencies involved in agriculture to further streamline their priorities in the inclusion of youth in driving modern methods of farming while assuring all those interested that an enabling environment will be created for full participation.
In his remark at the at the event, which was meant to spur more youth interest in farming, President Buhari said agriculture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy, being the largest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We will do more to expand, modernise and revolutionise our agriculture, which is our most important asset.
“I have directed that all NALDA’s abandoned farm estates be revived to enable thousands of our young men and women to be engaged in farming. This sdministration will be achieving agricultural mechanisation through this scheme and I am confident that Nigeria under my watch, we will achieve food security in producing most of what we eat. In good harvest years we may even export our surpluses and earn foreign exchange,” he said.
President Buhari noted that the resuscitation of NALDA will make Nigeria food sufficient and in a few years begin to earn more revenue from export of agricultural commodities.
“By virtue of my passion and desire for agriculture and also as a farmer myself, I am directly supervising NALDA as an authority under the Presidency.
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“I am asking the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and State Governments to give full cooperation to NALDA in its activities. With the success of Anchor Borrowers programme spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria and new programmes to revive cotton, palm products and cocoa, the next few years will see a vast difference in our agricultural performance.”
The President said all the necessary approvals that NALDA requires for effective take-off, beginning with areas of adequate land preparation for crop farming and livestock rearing, had been given, charging the Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA and his team to continue to live up to expectations and increase their activities in local communities.
“I am told that, so far, 4,333 families have benefited from this scheme and it is expected that many more individuals and families will benefit as the programme is rolled out.
“I now flag off the National Young Farmers’ Scheme. It is my expectation that the Scheme will take in young Nigerians, graduates and non-graduates alike, and be part of this Government’s effort to reduce unemployment and contribute to the regeneration of agriculture and our economy.”
Also, addressing State House Correspondents after the launch, Senate President Ahmad Lawan described the newly launched scheme as Nigeria’s solution to economic, security and political stability questions.
He described the programme as a smart way to respond to some of the requests of Nigerian youths during their recent protests.
He hailed the President for his steadfastness in repositioning the Agricultural sector since coming to office, adding that the country had already felt the impact of the policies of the administration.
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