The federal government has launched the ‘Green Money Project’ to empower 100,000 young farmers in its first phase.

Abiodun Yinusa, special assistant to the president on agriculture, unveiled the project on Tuesday in Abuja through his representative, Hakeem Olugbode.

The project is a presidential initiative to equip young farmers with the tools and knowledge to contribute to the agricultural sector. It aims to attract, train, and support youths in agriculture.

Mr Yinusa emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s agriculture sector, recognising its potential to drive economic growth and address unemployment, hunger, and poverty.

“President Tinubu is dedicated to supporting farmers and communities in transformative ways that will lead to the full revival of Nigerian agriculture.

“Our role is to support his vision and help implement projects that align with his Renewed Hope Agenda for agriculture,” Mr Yinusa said.

He stated the president’s focus on promoting economic development through job creation, ensuring food security, and eradicating poverty.

“Nigerian farmers are among the most hardworking and resilient globally, but they need greater support to excel. Youth will play a vital role in this agricultural transformation,” he said.

Mr Yinusa also acknowledged the challenges young Nigerians face in fully participating in agriculture, pledging the government’s commitment to addressing these barriers through practical solutions.

Charles Folayan, the coordinator of the Green Money Project, said the initiative will focus on creating a comprehensive database of young farmers nationwide to enhance their capacity and support agribusiness and value chain development.

He noted that modern agricultural practices, such as mechanisation, technology, and climate-smart farming, will be central to the project.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the National Agriculture Development Fund.

Others include the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture, and the Bank of Agriculture.

(NAN)