The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) has partnered with the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN) to empower young Nigerians through sustainable agriculture.
The collaboration, part of the ECOWAS Youth Employability Project, aims to equip youths with practical skills and knowledge to drive agricultural innovation and promote food security across the country.
The partnership was formalized during a courtesy visit by NOAN representatives to the Director-General of FRIN, Dr. Zacharia Yaduma, at the institute’s headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Dr. Yaduma explained that the alliance seeks to jointly implement the ECOWAS Youth Employability Project in South-West Nigeria, with a focus on training young people in organic farming techniques and agricultural value-chain development.
As part of the initiative, FRIN recently organized a five-day training workshop on organic agriculture for youths aged 18 to 25. The training covered compost production, soil conservation, and biological input management, alongside practical sessions on organic farming practices.
Speaking during the program, Yaduma reaffirmed FRIN’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and tackling youth unemployment through capacity-building programs. “We are excited to collaborate with NOAN on this initiative, which will drive sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the training would enhance participants’ employability while helping them build viable agribusinesses that promote environmental conservation and economic growth.
“By equipping young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to drive sustainable agricultural development, the collaboration aims to promote ecological organic agriculture practices in the West African sub-region,” Yaduma added.
He also expressed optimism that the FRIN NOAN partnership would serve as a model for future collaborations between government agencies, private organizations, and civil society groups working to advance sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
