FG ‘Green Money Project’ launched to unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential

The federal government has officially launched the Presidential Initiative for the Empowerment of Youth in Agriculture, popularly known as the Green Money Project, at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Hon. Abiodun Yinusa, described the initiative as a strategic move to unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential by actively involving young people in the sector.

He said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security and aims to complement existing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Yinusa stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to drive youth participation and innovation in agriculture.

Highlighting the link between the country’s key challenges—unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity—and the underutilization of agriculture by the youth, Yinusa reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to empower Nigerian youth to lead a new wave of agricultural transformation.

“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national emergency on food security, The Green Money Project aims to empower young Nigerians through agricultural development.

“The project will attract, train, and support youth by equipping them with knowledge in modern agricultural practices, mechanization, climate-smart farming techniques, and digital technologies.

“The initiative will be implemented across selected universities, youth development centers, and technical colleges nationwide, with the overarching goal of contributing to the achievement of zero hunger in Nigeria,” Yinusa said.

Also speaking, the Project Coordinator Mr. Charles Olufemi Folayan said that the project is focused on four pillars: creating a verifiable database of young farmers to facilitate effective tracking, support, and engagement, equipping youth with modern farming techniques, mechanization skills, climate-smart practices, and digital agricultural tools.

The others are providing access to quality inputs, equipment, and agribusiness loans to boost productivity and ensure sustainability as well as offering expert mentorship and facilitating connections to local and international markets to foster business growth and scalability.

In his response, Professor Olushola Kehinde expressed commended the Presidency for choosing FUNAAB as one of the partner institutions, describing the initiative as a timely and impactful intervention.

During a tour of the university’s agricultural facilities, he showcased several research and operational successes and expressed optimism that the partnership will significantly enhance the university’s capacity in food production and value chain development