Young people across Ondo State are getting an exciting opportunity to transform their futures through agriculture, as the Federal Government partners with the International Fund for Agricultural Development to launch an expanded youth empowerment initiative.

The program, which has already changed the lives of over 4,000 young Nigerians, is being extended for three more years due to its resounding success. Now, an impressive 14,800 youth will receive comprehensive training and resources to launch careers in cocoa, cassava, fishery, and poultry production across 100 communities in 10 local government areas.

What makes this initiative particularly special is its proven track record. After the first phase successfully trained and empowered 4,182 young people, the development partners were so impressed that they provided additional financing to expand the program significantly. This vote of confidence speaks volumes about the positive changes already taking place in communities across the state.

The program takes a thoughtful, hands-on approach to agricultural education. Young participants, affectionately called "incubatees," benefit from a trainer and trainee model that ensures they receive personalized guidance as they develop their skills. The initiative specifically seeks out youth who have genuine passion and interest in agriculture, recognizing that this enthusiasm is key to long-term success.

Mr. Olawale Ademola, the Ondo State Project Coordinator, shared the exciting news at a media meeting in Akure, expressing enthusiasm about the program's expansion. The communities benefiting from this initiative span across Akure North, Ondo East, Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo, Akoko South-West, Owo, Irele, Ilaje, Idanre, Ese-Odo, and Akoko North-West.

The program's goals extend far beyond individual success stories. Mrs. Bolanle Akinyede, the State Rural Institute Gender and Youth Officer, emphasized that the initiative views agriculture as a business opportunity, preparing young people not just with farming skills but with entrepreneurial knowledge to thrive. Meanwhile, Mr. Bodunwa Isaiah highlighted the program's ambitious objectives: achieving food sufficiency, generating employment for youth, and creating new revenue streams for communities.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of this program reaches far beyond the individual young people being trained. By empowering nearly 15,000 youth with agricultural skills, the initiative is creating a ripple effect that promises to transform entire communities across Ondo State and the broader Niger Delta region.

Food security improves when more skilled farmers enter production, ensuring families across Nigeria have reliable access to nutritious staples like cassava and protein sources from fishery and poultry operations. The cocoa production training also positions young Nigerians to participate in a lucrative global export market.

Perhaps most importantly, the program demonstrates that investing in youth pays dividends. The strong partnership between the Federal Government, IFAD, and the Ondo State Government shows what's possible when organizations work together with a shared vision. The state government's commitment to paying its counterpart funds has been essential to the program's success.

These 14,800 young people aren't just learning to farm. They're becoming entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change-makers who will inspire the next generation. Their success stories will encourage other youth to see agriculture not as a last resort, but as a viable, rewarding career path that feeds communities and builds prosperity.