Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the Federal Ministry of Youths Development, to support food security by engaging corps members posted to the state in agricultural activities.
The signing of the MoU took place at the Government House, in Minna, the state capital.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago signed on behalf of the state, while the Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim signed for the Ministry.
The Governor said the MoU is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for food security in Nigeria, adding that it is to partner with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the area of youth empowerment and food production.
The Governor, who noted that youth make up 80% of Nigeria’s population, called on them to venture into agriculture to enable them become self-reliant.
He explained that the partnership would enable the state to leverage on the added manpower which the corps members represent adding that the agricultural value chain is huge, hence professionals will be needed in the state.
The Governor said the state is determined in its agricultural revolution as it is building the largest greenhouse estate in Africa with the capacity to employ a million people.
He also disclosed that the state is creating 100 farm estates, with 250,000 hectares of land currently being cultivated across the 25 local government areas of the state.
Earlier, the Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim said the Ministry agreed to partner with the State on agriculture as it will allow the NYSC to become self-sustaining considering the present economic changes.
She then commended the Governor for his readiness to commit huge funds for the construction of a befitting permanent NYSC camp in the state and all his efforts at ensuring the well-being of the corps members.
