FG Unveils Youth-Driven Manifesto to Unlock Agritech, Finance
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Leonard and Nkiruka Okorkwo Foundation (LANOF), Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) and other partners, has unveiled the 2025–2030 revised National Youth Manifesto in Agriculture alongside the Nigerian Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action.
The launch, which took place in Abuja on Tuesday, was described as a landmark step in placing young Nigerians at the heart of agricultural transformation.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said the document symbolised a youth-owned roadmap for reshaping the nation’s food systems. Represented by Mrs Safina Abdullah, Deputy Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, he stressed that young people were not just beneficiaries of agricultural policies but “architects and drivers of the future.”
“This manifesto is not just a document; it is a call to duty,” Kyari said. “It will be translated into actionable policies, investments, and opportunities that empower young farmers across the country.”
The minister outlined eight key priority areas of the manifesto, including agroecology and climate resilience, access to land and inputs, youth-responsive finance and markets, agritech innovation, capacity development, gender and social inclusion, policy advocacy, and intergenerational mentorship.
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He explained that the initiative was anchored on national frameworks such as the National Agriculture Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) and the revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture (2025–2030). He added that the ministry would integrate the youth call to action into its strategic plans and align them with the African Union’s African Agribusiness Youth Strategy.
Through targeted programmes in mechanisation, finance, digital platforms, extension services, and agribusiness incubation, Kyari said, the government aimed to build a resilient and inclusive sector where young Nigerians lead innovation.
“I charge the youth to rise to the challenge. Own this process. Build enterprises, not just farms. Innovate solutions, not just demand opportunities,” he added.
Co-founder of LANOF, Mrs Nkiruka Okorkwo, described the manifesto as a policy advocacy tool and empowerment mechanism that gives young people recognition, resourcing, and representation in the agricultural space.
“The strength of this manifesto lies in its co-creation by the youth and for the youth,” she said. “It offers practical pathways to unlock opportunities for youth leadership across agricultural value chains.”
Also speaking, Ms Sophie von Knebel, Country Director of HBF, commended the initiative and urged young Nigerians to “own the agricultural space” and work in accordance with the manifesto.
Blessing Akhile, of the National Gender Steering Committee at ActionAid Nigeria, hailed the unveiling as “heartwarming,” pledging that the organisation would ensure the document is transformed into concrete action.
By PRNigeria
