The Leventis Foundation Nigeria (LFN) has successfully trained 90 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in agribusiness, equipping them with skills and practical experience to drive youth-led agricultural initiatives across the country.

The announcement was made by Hope Usieta, Executive Director of LFN, during the 3rd Agricultural Youths Summit held in collaboration with NYSC. He revealed that 40 corps members have completed the training, while 50 are currently undergoing agribusiness training across LFN’s six training centers nationwide.

“Through the LFN-SAED partnership, we have reached more youths and provided them with practical agribusiness training and internships, preparing them for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment,” Usieta said.

Building the Next Generation of Agripreneurs

The summit highlighted the critical role of youth in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, NYSC Director-General, represented by Abe Dankaro, Director of Ventures Management, urged young Nigerians to embrace agribusiness as a solution to food insecurity and youth unemployment.

“Agribusiness is not just farming; it’s about creating a generation of self-reliant, job-creating, and economically empowered youths who will take agriculture to new heights of innovation and enterprise,” Dankaro stated.

Tackling Agricultural Challenges

Both LFN and NYSC emphasized the need for improved access to agricultural financing and investment in smallholder farmers. Ahmed Manti, Chairman of LFN, noted that limited access to agri-financing remains a significant barrier to scaling youth-led agribusinesses.

“Strengthening investment in agriculture is a key policy tool for boosting productivity, achieving food security, and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals,” Manti said.

The collaboration between LFN and NYSC aims to cultivate a new generation of “agripreneurs” who are not only skilled in farming but also equipped to drive entrepreneurship and national development.

“See yourselves not as job seekers, but as nation builders armed with knowledge, resilience, and purpose,” Dankaro encouraged the corps members.

With this initiative, Leventis Foundation continues to empower youths, advance sustainable agriculture, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.