Kwara State Government has unveiled a livestock entrepreneurship programme designed to train, equip, and fund young agripreneurs, beginning with corps members at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, announced the initiative during a weekend visit to the NYSC camp. She was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed.
Thomas explained that the project is part of a broader strategy to position Kwara as a hub for livestock innovation and youth enterprise. Through a partnership with the NYSC, the government aims to transform the orientation camp into a training ground for aspiring livestock entrepreneurs.
“Our goal is simple—empower young people to become job creators within the livestock value chain,” she said. “The collaboration will provide hands-on training in livestock production, agribusiness management, and access to finance, all in a structured environment.”
The programme, scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, will run as a public-private partnership. Participants will undergo an intensive three-month training phase, after which they will receive starter packs and input support to launch or scale their livestock ventures.
While corps members will be the first beneficiaries, Thomas emphasized that the programme is open to other interested young people across the state. “Outside camp seasons, the facility will welcome other youths with passion for agribusiness,” she added.
NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, expressed full support for the initiative, describing it as timely and aligned with the Corps’ mission to empower Nigerian youths. He assured the Commissioner of NYSC’s readiness to support the programme, calling for enhanced security around the facility to safeguard participants and assets.
During the visit, the Commissioner also paid homage to the Etsu of Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, seeking royal blessings and informing him of the planned empowerment programme within his domain.
Touted as a flagship youth initiative under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Kwara Youth Livestock Empowerment Programme underscores the state’s commitment to agribusiness, innovation, and inclusive development.
Ahmed Ajiboye
Press Secretary, MOLD
