The Federal Government has launched the Green Money Project, a presidential initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians through modern agricultural practices.
The project was inaugurated by Abiodun Yinusa, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Agriculture, during an event at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta on Wednesday.
Yinusa explained that the initiative seeks to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential by empowering young people and harnessing the country’s abundant resources, as well as other untapped opportunities within the sector.
He said the initiative aligns with Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
“It complements the ongoing efforts of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and encourages collaboration among key stakeholders to involve youth more actively in agriculture,” he noted.
Yinusa highlighted the nation’s critical challenges, such as unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, and the underutilization of the agricultural sector by young Nigerians.
He emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering and motivating youth to take a leading role in transforming agriculture.
“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the national emergency on food security, this initiative seeks to empower young Nigerians through agricultural development.
“The programme will attract, train, and support youth by equipping them with knowledge in modern agricultural practices, mechanization, climate-smart farming techniques, and digital technologies.
“It will be implemented across selected universities, youth development centres, and technical colleges nationwide, contributing to the goal of achieving zero hunger in Nigeria,” he said.
The Project Coordinator, Mr. Charles Folayan, stated that the Green Money Project focuses on data development, capacity building, resource support, mentorship, and improving market access.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Olushola Kehinde, thanked the Presidency for choosing the institution as a key partner in the initiative.
He described the initiative as a timely and impactful intervention, expressing optimism that the partnership would greatly enhance the university’s capacity in food production and value chain development.
The Green Money Project is a comprehensive strategy aimed at engaging Nigerian youth in agriculture, with the goal of improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and fostering sustainable growth within the sector.
