The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has highlighted crucial measures to break down barriers preventing youths, women, and other citizens from participating in agribusiness. Speaking at the High-Level Dialogue of the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Bridging the Gap-Access to Finance & Empowering Youth and Women for Agribusiness Success in Abuja, Olaopa emphasized the need to dismantle systemic barriers limiting access to finance, resources, and knowledge.
Olaopa noted that improvement in grants could help youths and women experiment with innovations and technologies. However, he acknowledged that banks and financial institutions may be unwilling to extend facilities to this cohort due to the risk involved. Therefore, policy intervention is critical to de-risk lending to young entrepreneurs in agribusiness. Additionally, Olaopa stressed the importance of mentorship by established agribusiness players, which could provide valuable guidance and support to young entrepreneurs.
The FCSC chairman also emphasized the need for equal access to land and market, as well as deepened partnerships among government, industry, civil society, and development partners. This collaboration would ensure a coordinated and effective response to systemic challenges faced by young people and women in agribusiness. Olaopa added that inclusive policies, efficient extension services, and service delivery to farmers and other agribusiness stakeholders should be at the core of institutional reforms.
Other government officials at the event highlighted initiatives aimed at supporting agribusiness development. The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, urged youths to become job creators rather than seekers of government employment. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, emphasized the need to recognize agribusiness as a viable commercial venture, while the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, discussed a livestock initiative targeting 37,000 youth and women across the country.
