The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Ondo State Government, is set to empower 14,800 youths in agricultural production across the state, strengthening efforts to boost food production, youth employment and rural livelihoods.
The initiative is being implemented under the IFAD–FG Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise–Niger Delta Project and will cover 100 communities across 10 local government areas of Ondo State. Beneficiaries, referred to as incubatees, will receive training and support in cocoa, cassava, fishery and poultry production.
The Ondo State Project Coordinator, Olawale Ademola, disclosed this during a roundtable meeting with media practitioners in Akure. He explained that the first phase of the project, which ended in April 2025, recorded significant success, prompting IFAD to approve additional financing and extend the programme for another three years.
According to Ademola, 4,182 youths were trained and empowered during the first phase of the project, creating a strong case for expansion. He said the extension would allow the programme to scale its impact and reach more young people across the state’s agrarian communities.
Under the new phase, the project targets a total of 14,800 youths over the next three years. Of this number, 5,800 will be engaged as regular incubatees, while 9,000 others will benefit through business development services designed to strengthen agribusiness skills and sustainability.
The programme will be implemented in Akure North, Ondo East, Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo, Akoko South-West, Owo, Irele, Ilaje, Idanre, Ese-Odo and Akoko North-West local government areas. Ademola noted that IFAD is funding the project in six Niger Delta states, including Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia and Cross River, in collaboration with the Federal and state governments.
He added that the partnership has been effective largely because government counterpart funding has been consistently provided, supporting smooth implementation at the state level. While acknowledging the impact of the project on youth livelihoods, Ademola said it has not been without challenges, citing insecurity, inflation, low literacy levels and cases of insincerity among some beneficiaries. He, however, noted that measures have been put in place to mitigate these issues.
Speaking on the objectives of the program, the State Agribusiness Promotion Officer, Bodunwa Isaiah, said the project is focused on improving food sufficiency, creating employment opportunities for young people and supporting income generation through agriculture.
Also speaking, the State Rural Institution Gender and Youth Officer, Bolanle Akinyede, explained that the incubation process follows a trainer–trainee model and is designed for youths with genuine interest in agriculture. She stressed that beneficiaries are selected based on their passion for farming, as the project views agriculture not just as subsistence activity but as a viable business.
The expanded programme is expected to deepen youth participation in agribusiness, strengthen local food systems and contribute to economic activity in rural communities across Ondo State.
