The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced the “Green Money Project,” a presidential initiative aimed at empowering young farmers across the country. This program seeks to attract, train, and support youth in agriculture, providing them with the tools and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Championed by the Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Hon. Abiodun Yinusa, the project aims to empower 100,000 young farmers in its initial phase. During a meeting held on October 22, 2024, in Abuja with representatives from various agricultural ministries, departments, and agencies collaborating on the initiative, Hon. Abiodun emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigerian agriculture. He highlighted the administration’s recognition of agriculture as a critical sector for driving economic growth and combating unemployment, hunger, and poverty.
Presidency, NALDA partners to drive the Green Money Project
Hon. Abiodun further noted, “President Tinubu is dedicated to supporting farmers and communities in transformative ways that will lead to a complete revival of Nigerian agriculture. Our role is to support his vision and help implement projects that align with his Renewed Hope Agenda on agriculture.”
He added that the President’s primary focus is on promoting economic development through job creation, ensuring food security, and eradicating poverty. “Nigerian farmers are among the most hardworking and resilient globally, but they need greater support to excel. The youth have a vital role in this agricultural transformation.”
Hon. Abiodun ably represented by his Special Assistant Engr. Hakeem Olugbode also acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian youth in fully participating in the agricultural sector, pledging the government’s commitment to addressing these barriers through practical solutions.
Mr. Charles Folayan, Coordinator of the Green Money Project, highlighted that the initiative will focus on building a comprehensive database of young farmers, enhancing their capacity, and supporting agribusinesses and value chain development. He emphasized that modern agricultural practices, including mechanization, technology, and climate-smart farming, would be central to the project, which targets 100,000 young Nigerian farmers in its first phase.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Agriculture Development Fund, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture, the Bank of Agriculture, and the National Center for Agricultural Mechanization, among others.