The Federal Government says it will create jobs for
over 758,500 youths across the country under the
Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP)
to boost agricultural productivity. Mrs Karima Babangida, the National Programme
Coordinator said this on Tuesday in Katsina during the
inauguration of Katsina State YEAP Steering
Committee. Represented by Mr Suleiman Aliyu, Babangida said
that the three-year programme was supported by the
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United
Nations (FAO). Babangida said that 740,000 jobs would be ‘market-
oriented’ for young agricultural producers, while the
remaining 18,500 jobs were reserved for university
graduates, ‘agropreneurs’ across the nation. “Under the market-oriented, 20,000 youths will be
selected from each of the 36 states and the Federal
Capital Territory (FCT). “500 graduates will also benefit from the
programme in each state of the federation,” she
said. The coordinator revealed that 12 states were selected
for the first phase of the programme, two from each
of the six geo-political zones. Babangida explained that the programme was aimed
at providing employment to teeming youths through
agricultural enterprises. Mr Rabe Isa, who spoke on behalf of FAO, urged the
committee members to dedicate themselves toward
achieving the set goal. He said that Katsina was also selected for the study of
grazing reserves and stock routes being conducted
with the aim of addressing farmers/herdsmen clash. In his remarks, the state deputy governor, Alhaji
Mannir Yakubu said that the steering committee’s
terms of reference would assist stakeholders to
design and implement value chain development plans
and promote young agro-entrepreneurs. He said other terms of reference include the signing of
contracts with service providers and beneficiaries,
monitor the development of agro-entrepreneurs and
commodity chains, among others. Yakubu said the state government would continue to
accord agriculture a top priority so as to address
unemployment, diversify the economy and guarantee
food security. The 32-member steering committee would be headed
by the deputy governor, who is also the commissioner
for agriculture.

Another scam. Countless promises. Npower, ICTforchange and so many inconclusive programs

yagazee.... We just av to hope and pray 4 9ja, d situation of d nation is just not encouraging