The Niger State government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to boost food security by engaging corps members in agricultural activities.
The MoU was signed at the Government House in Minna on Tuesday, with Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago representing Niger State and Minister for Youth Development, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, signing on behalf of the ministry.
Governor Umaru-Bago highlighted that this agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for food security in Nigeria. He added that the state would collaborate with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to empower youth and enhance food production.
Emphasizing the significance of youth, who make up 80% of Nigeria’s population, the governor encouraged them to pursue agriculture for self-reliance. He noted that involving corps members would significantly benefit the state’s agricultural value chain.
The governor also outlined plans for agricultural development in Niger State, including the construction of Africa’s largest greenhouse estate, which aims to employ up to a million people, and the establishment of 100 farm estates spanning 250,000 hectares across the state’s 25 local government areas.
Minister Bio-Ibrahim praised the governor’s commitment to funding the construction of a new NYSC camp in Niger State and his dedication to the welfare of corps members.
