Commissioner Commends Governor AbdulRazaq, Urges Youths to Embrace Skills, Agribusiness

The Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been commended for his visionary leadership and continued commitment to youth empowerment and livestock transformation in the State.
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‎The State Commissioner for Youth Development, Ambassador Ndanusa Usman Shehu, gave this commendation during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting organized by the Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), held at Noktel Hotel in Ilorin.
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‎The meeting brought together relevant government agencies and key financial institutions to advance livestock production and youth empowerment initiatives in Kwara State.
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‎The Commissioner praised Governor AbdulRazaq for creating the enabling environment and providing the necessary financial and institutional support that made the programme possible.
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‎Ambassador Ndanusa also urged the stakeholders at the meeting to take full advantage of the various financial opportunities and intervention programmes provided by the government and its partners, advising that such resources be utilized judiciously for sustainable development.
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‎He further enjoined students and youths to think innovatively and proactively, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance through the acquisition and practical application of vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
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‎According to him, addressing unemployment requires creativity, technical know-how, and the willingness to use education as a tool for productivity and nation-building.
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‎Highlighting the vast potentials within the agricultural value chain, he noted that livestock farming can be successfully integrated with crop and poultry production, where the output of one serves as the input of another, fostering efficiency, sustainability, and increased yields.
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‎The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, emphasized the need for financial institutions to partner with the government in providing funding window to farmers and entrepreneurs.
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‎He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for creating a conducive environment and financial backing for the L-PRESS Project, which aims to transform the livestock sector through innovation and collaboration.
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‎Earlier, the Project Coordinator of L-PRESS, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, gave a detailed presentation on the project’s vision, objectives, and implementation strategies. He explained that L-PRESS seeks to empower youths and farmers through training, access to credit facilities, and sustainable livestock production practices.
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‎Also speaking, Mr. Salawu Isiaka, a representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kwara State, stressed that the CBN’s responsibility is to ensure that all loans disbursed are properly utilized for their intended purposes. He lauded both ministries for bringing together key stakeholders and for their proactive efforts in enlightening participants about opportunities in the livestock value chain.
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‎Mr. Isiaka further encouraged young people to look beyond white-collar employment and explore entrepreneurship, agriculture, and skill acquisition as viable means of livelihood. He urged youths to combine education with practical skills to enhance their financial independence and contribution to the State’s economy.
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‎He also reiterated the need for value addition in livestock production, noting that farmers can generate more income by producing multiple by-products from a single animal.
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‎A representative from the Bank of Industry (BOI) Harrison Osauwagboe explained that the institution remains dedicated to supporting startups and expanding enterprises through various funding initiatives such as SME loans, microcredit facilities, and large-scale industrial financing. He emphasized that BOI’s goal is to enhance productivity, innovation, and modernization in Nigeria’s agro-industrial landscape.
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‎Similarly, Mobolaji Abdulrahman, representing the United Bank for Africa (UBA), emphasized the importance of active partnerships between financial institutions and entrepreneurs. He highlighted UBA’s “Women in Business” initiative, which provides loan facilities and technical support to female entrepreneurs. He advised prospective borrowers to understand their business concepts thoroughly before applying for loans, adding that proper knowledge and planning are critical to financial success.
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‎In his remarks, Femi Ayodele of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) outlined the different types of accounts and loan products available to support agripreneurs at various stages of business development. He urged participants to take advantage of these opportunities to expand their farming and livestock operations.
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‎The engagement meeting had in attendance Directors of agencies, representatives from the Ministries of Youth Development, Livestock Development, Agriculture, and Business Innovation & Technology, members of the Young Farmers Association, the Kwara Youth Technical Working Committee, as well as delegates from the CBN, BOI, UBA, and BOA, among others.
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‎The meeting ended on a positive note, with all stakeholders expressing their commitment to building strong partnerships that will foster innovation, enhance youth participation in agribusiness, and promote sustainable livestock development through the L-PRESS Project in Kwara State.
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‎Oluwafemi Samuel Adeoye
‎Press Secretary
‎Ministry of Youth Development
‎07062593986.

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