Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
The ECOWAS Youth Employability Project (ECOWAS-YEP) training,
which commenced on Monday 17th November 2025, officially concluded today at the
Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The
week-long programme focused on empowering Nigerian youth through practical and
strategic training in the Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral sectors, with a strong emphasis
on organic agriculture, ginger cultivation, value addition, and sustainable
agribusiness skills.
This initiative aligns with ECOWAS’s regional strategy to equip
young people with employability skills that enhance food security, promote
environmentally friendly agricultural production, and stimulate rural economic
growth. Through hands-on sessions and expert-led lectures, the participants
gained insights into climate-smart organic practices, agroecological
principles, entrepreneurship opportunities, and pathways for creating viable
agricultural enterprises.
As part of the closing activities, the team collaborating with
IAR on organic production and youth empowerment paid a courtesy visit to the
Executive Director of IAR, who was ably represented by the Deputy Director,
Prof. Nafiu Abdu.
The
visiting delegation comprised: Dr. Gbadamosi R. Oyewole – ECOWAS Coordinator,
Nigeria, Prof. Jude Obi – President, Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners
of Nigeria (NOAN), Mr. Joseph Ali – Chief Executive Officer, COFARMS and Prof.
Uthman Lucky Arunah – IAR Coordinator and Programme Leader, Legumes & Oil
Seeds Programme
During the interaction, the ECOWAS Coordinator commended IAR’s
exceptional level of commitment and organisation. He highlighted that IAR Zaria
emerged as the best-performing centre among the three ECOWAS-YEP locations in
Nigeria—Ibadan, Umudike, and Zaria—particularly for its excellent participant
selection process, smooth coordination, and the high level of attentiveness and
enthusiasm displayed by trainees throughout the programme.
He further emphasized that ECOWAS-YEP is being implemented
across six African countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Liberia, Nigeria,
Senegal, and Togo—where young people are being equipped with the knowledge and
tools needed to transform agriculture sustainably.
The physical training officially came to a close with remarks
from the Assistant Director Research, IAR, Prof. L. J. Bamaiyi, who congratulated
the participants and partners for their commitment. He encouraged the trainees
to apply the skills gained and continue championing organic agriculture, rural
development, and youth-led innovation in their communities.
#ECOWASYEP #IARABU #YouthEmpowerment #OrganicAgriculture #SustainableFarming #Agribusiness #AgriculturalTraining #NOAN #COFARMS #FoodSecurity #CapacityBuilding #ProudlyIAR
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