From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Nigeria has advocated increased strategic investment in youth and women in agriculture as the 49th Session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development Governing Council concluded in Rome, Italy.
The meeting, themed “From Farm to Market: Investing in Young Entrepreneurs,” focused on the critical role of young people in driving job creation, innovation and inclusive growth within global food systems.
A statement issued in Abuja by the Head of the Department of Information, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ezeaja Ikemefuna, said Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, who was elected Chairperson of the IFAD Governing Council, led discussions at the biennial event.
Kyari, who previously served as Vice Chair of the Council, expressed appreciation to member states for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing rural development.
He stated that the emphasis on youth and women in agriculture was aimed at unlocking economic opportunities, driving innovation and strengthening food systems to reduce hunger and poverty globally.
Kyari also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising food security at the centre of Nigeria’s national agenda, noting that the country’s leadership at IFAD aligns with efforts to boost agricultural productivity and expand opportunities for young people and women.
He further praised the IFAD Nigeria Country Office, led by Country Director Dede Ekoue, for translating global commitments into measurable impacts for rural communities, particularly in strengthening value chains and building resilience for smallholder farmers.
As the session concluded, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation in tackling hunger and poverty.
Highlights of the meeting included a centre stage discussion led by IFAD President Dr Álvaro Lario and African entrepreneur Tony Elumelu, which underscored the catalytic role of young innovators in transforming rural economies.
The session also recognised the critical contributions of women farmers to food systems, marking the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Participants identified water security and climate resilience as urgent priorities, calling for strategic investment in irrigation and adaptive infrastructure to safeguard agricultural productivity.
