By George George Idowu
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called on Nigerian youths to take advantage of agricultural empowerment by coming up with bankable business proposals.
Abbas made the call on Monday in Abuja during the second interactive session and workshop organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Abbas made these remarks at the second interactive session and workshop held on Monday in Abuja.
Represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker highlighted the crucial role youth and women play in society. He stressed the urgent need to diversify Nigeria’s economy, moving away from its heavy reliance on oil.
He noted that focusing on bankable business proposals could enable youth and women to become pivotal players in sectors essential for economic diversification, food security, and sustainable development.
In addition, he acknowledged AfDB’s contributions and its hi-5 priorities: empowering, feeding, industrializing, integrating, and improving the quality of life for Africans.
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He also reaffirmed the legislators’ commitment to supporting youth and women’s development through various initiatives.
In his contribution during the workshop, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, echoed Abbas suggestion emphasizing the significant potential of youth and women in sustainable agricultural development.
The minister underscored the importance of agriculture in job creation and rural development, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Food Security.
Also, the Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, both highlighted the need to view agriculture as a business enterprise and the importance of innovation, respectively.
They reiterated their ministries’ commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to support youth and women in agriculture.
Lamin Barrow, the director-general of the West Africa Region of AfDB, noted that the event was part of activities marking the bank’s 60th anniversary and emphasized the importance of investing in Africa’s young and dynamic workforce.
