Ecobank Nigeria Limited announced a partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to train and support 16,000 Nigerian youths in wealth creation through agriculture. The program targets young Nigerians aged 18 to 40 and will focus on key specialisations such as poultry, aquaculture, horticulture, and value addition.
Ms. Ayo Osolake, Head of Public Sector and Agric Business at Ecobank, explained that the training will be delivered to both digital and physical audiences in two phases. The first phase, lasting four weeks, will be conducted entirely online, while the second phase will adopt a hybrid format that includes practical sessions and farm visits.
“The bank, as a Pan‑African institution, must sow the seeds of growth in the communities where we operate, especially among young people who are the future of our nation and the real‑economy‑impacting sector of agriculture,” Osolake said. “Our partnership with IITA combines our expertise to empower and equip young Nigerians with the knowledge needed for success in agriculture. Our commitment to helping young people create wealth is unwavering, and we are eager to collaborate with like‑minded stakeholders in other sectors to nurture the dreams of our youths.”
The programme is designed to expand agricultural opportunities for Nigerians, emphasizing research, development, and wealth creation. “Now is a great time for anyone considering a future in agriculture to join this training,” Osolake added. “The structure and areas of specialisation have been carefully chosen to boost the capabilities of all attendees, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.”
Participants will learn new technologies along the value chain, develop business skills and agribusiness management competencies, and receive mentoring, coaching, and linkages to finance. The training also includes exposure to business plan development, loan application processes, and post‑training support to enhance start‑up identity and market connections.
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