The minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has emphasised that empowering young entrepreneurs with access to finance remains critical to transforming agricultural sector.
Speaking at the World Food Forum (WFF) in Rome, the minister said that young innovators remain the driving force behind a productive, inclusive and resilient food system.
The global community discussed on the theme, “Bridging Policy and Innovation: Youth at the Forefront of Agri-Food Transformation,”
According to a statement by the ministry’s head of information department, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the minister explained that transforming national food systems requires aligning government policies with innovation while placing youth at the center of decision-making.
He stated that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, agriculture has been positioned at the heart of Nigeria’s development agenda.
He added that through the Renewed Hope vision, the administration is reinforcing confidence in food systems, strengthening production, and empowering young Nigerians who will define the future of the agricultural economy.
According to him, the federal government is committed to bridging the gap between policy and practice through data-driven, inclusive strategies shaped by those directly involved in the food system, particularly the youth driving innovation.
The minister noted that the administration is shifting from a top-down model to one of co-creation, where collaboration replaces prescription and young voices help shape national agricultural policies.
He said, “To sustain this wave of innovation, we must ensure that young agripreneurs have access to the resources needed to scale their ideas. Financing innovation and enterprise remains the catalyst for agricultural transformation. No matter how brilliant our ideas or technologies, without accessible and affordable finance, they can not grow into impact”.
He lauded the establishment of the World Food Forum (WFF) Nigeria Chapter, saying, ‘’It a “bridge between local innovation and global priorities ,the platform will unite youth-led organizations, private sector players, research institutions, and government under a shared mission to build resilient food systems’’.
The minister commended young innovators such as Samson Ogbole, Femi Adekoya, Atinuke Lebile, and Azeez Salawu for their pioneering efforts in soilless farming, drone technology, biofortified crops, and ecosystem coordination.
He also lauded Abdulsalam Umar of Matura Agro for leading Nigeria’s first large-scale cultivation of alfalfa grass for export.
