FG, UNESCO REF launch agriculture programme to empower 4.5 million Nigerians
In a bid to strengthen food security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth, the Federal Government has partnered with the UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF) to launch a national agricultural empowerment programme aimed at reaching 4.5 million Nigerians.
The programme was officially announced at a joint press conference in Abuja, attended by key stakeholders, including the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA), and the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD).
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security (SSAP-FS), Ogundipe, explained that the initiative is anchored on the UNESCO REF Strategic Intervention Programme, Alpha, Category II Framework, particularly the Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) component.
Ogundipe emphasised that the programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2, which targets zero hunger, and SDG 13, focused on climate action.
Designed to run through 2030, the initiative aims to empower Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, particularly youth, women, and civil servants approaching retirement, offering post-service livelihood pathways.
“The programme is more than an agricultural intervention; it is a national security and empowerment strategy,” Ogundipe said.
“Through financial support, technical training, and mentorship, we aim to equip participants with skills in climate-smart agricultural practices, including hydroponics and Agro-Kenaf enterprise development.”
The programme would be implemented in two phases. Phase one targets 3 million beneficiaries, while phase two will expand to an additional 1.5 million Nigerians.
Participants engaged in Kenaf cultivation are expected to earn at least N400,000 every 12 weeks, creating a scalable model for financial independence and entrepreneurship.
Ogundipe noted that the programme is designed to strengthen national food systems, enhance climate resilience, and drive inclusive economic growth.
It also seeks to generate billions of naira through new agricultural value chains and foster the creation of thousands of small and medium-sized agribusinesses.
The initiative aligned with Nigeria’s National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), reinforcing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable agriculture and technological innovation.
Ogundipe called on all levels of government, private investors, philanthropists, development partners, and community leaders to collaborate in scaling the programme for maximum impact.
Speaking at the event, Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of UNESCO REF, described the initiative as an international best practice model.
He said the programme positions Nigeria as a leader in agricultural innovation on the continent, while promoting stability, prosperity, and hope for millions of Nigerians.
The programme is expected to have lasting effects on food security, economic empowerment, and climate-smart farming practices, creating opportunities for Nigerian citizens to participate meaningfully in national development.
