Last week, the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) programme was launched in Abuja. The event brought together young agripreneurs, government representatives, private-sector leaders, and development partners for a two-day convening. According to Tribune Online, 150 participants attended the event, with 100 of them being young Nigerians who took the lead in setting the programme’s priorities. The YEFFA programme aims to empower young Nigerians to drive the future of food and agriculture in the country. The launch event was the first activity of the programme in Nigeria. The initiative is part of a larger global effort to support young people in agriculture and food systems, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). The YEFFA programme is being implemented in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other organizations. The programme is expected to create opportunities for young Nigerians to develop their entrepreneurial skills, access funding, and connect with mentors and market opportunities. This is a significant step towards empowering young Nigerians to contribute to the country’s food security and economic growth. According to the Tribune Online, the programme will focus on areas such as agribusiness, value chain development, and climate-smart agriculture. The launch event was a clear demonstration of the commitment of various stakeholders to support young Nigerians in agriculture and food systems. The event also highlighted the potential of young Nigerians to drive innovation and sustainable development in the agriculture sector. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of food security and youth unemployment, initiatives like YEFFA are crucial in empowering young Nigerians to take charge of their own future.








