FG Targets Youths for Livestock Sector Jobs and Food Security

The Federal Government has reaffirmed plans to involve young Nigerians in transforming the livestock sector to boost food production and create jobs.

Source: fmino

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known while receiving a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the ministry's headquarters in Abuja.

Maiha said the initiative would focus on areas such as animal husbandry, genetics improvement, milk processing, feed production, cold-chain storage and meat packaging.

He disclosed that the ministry is developing a Women and Youth Livestock Empowerment Initiative that will engage 1,000 youths from each state and the Federal Capital Territory, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 37,000.

The minister urged young people to develop viable business plans, stressing that youths remain a key part of the government's livestock development strategy.

Earlier, NANS representatives said they were seeking collaboration with the ministry on programmes that support student participation in livestock production.

The association proposed training programmes in poultry, fish, goat and sheep farming, as well as the establishment of livestock training centres and internship opportunities for students.

NANS also called for scholarships, research grants and support for young entrepreneurs in agriculture.

The meeting was attended by students from universities and colleges of agriculture, ministry officials and members of the minister's advisory team.