The Kwara State Government has called on youths in the state to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in agriculture, entrepreneurship and other emerging sectors to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Amb. Ndanusa Shehu, made the call while speaking on a radio programme, Ijoba Mekunu, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Speaking on the theme, the Commissioner advised young people to identify opportunities within their immediate environment and make deliberate efforts to develop themselves, stressing that youths must move beyond waiting for white-collar jobs and explore areas where they can create value and generate income.
Ndanusa highlighted available financing opportunities for young people, noting that the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) provides loan facilities of up to N1 million for eligible young farmers and agribusiness owners.
He urged youths interested in agriculture to take advantage of the facility to establish, expand and strengthen their businesses.
The Commissioner also encouraged young entrepreneurs to explore financing opportunities provided by the Bank of Industry (BOI), which offers facilities of up to N10 million without the need for a guarantor, subject to eligibility requirements and the bank’s assessment.
He said such interventions could help young people transform viable ideas into sustainable businesses and expand existing enterprises.
According to him, there are abundant opportunities for young people who are willing to look beyond conventional career paths and take action.
The Commissioner disclosed that the present administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has made land available for youths interested in farming, with agricultural clusters being developed in Malete town to provide young people with access to land for cultivation.
He identified snail farming, mushroom production, crayfish and prawn farming, among others, as agricultural ventures that could be started with relatively modest capital, urging youths to explore such areas based on their interests, skills and available resources.
Ndanusa advised youths to be up and doing, stressing the need for them to be proactive, acquire relevant skills and take advantage of government interventions, financial opportunities and other available support programmes to build sustainable livelihoods.
Also speaking on the programme, the Coordinator of Young Farmers in Nigeria (YOFIN), Abdulbasit Olatunji, said it was important for youths to embrace agriculture as a means of strengthening food security and ensuring a prosperous future for Nigeria.
Olatunji noted that youth participation in agriculture has gone beyond planting and harvesting, explaining that young people are increasingly becoming involved in different aspects of the agricultural value chain, including processing, packaging, marketing and other related businesses.
He said that YOFIN has experts and experienced practitioners who are available to guide young people interested in venturing into agriculture, urging youths to take advantage of the knowledge and mentorship opportunities available within the organisation.
