***To Empower 558 Young Farmers

In a major move to boost agriculture and economic development in Nigeria’s North West region, the Barau I. Jibrin Foundation (BIJF) has partnered with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to launch a N2.79 billion loan scheme aimed at transforming 558 young Nigerians into millionaire farmers.

The initiative, known as the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in Nigeria (BIARN), is designed to enhance food production, create jobs, and strengthen food security by equipping young farmers with the resources needed to succeed.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BOA, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, emphasized that the scheme aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to modernize and expand the agricultural sector.

“This program is about revolutionizing agriculture in the North West. In this first phase, we are empowering 558 young farmers with N5 million each, giving them the opportunity to become agricultural entrepreneurs,” Barau stated.

He added that beyond wealth creation, the program will generate employment and inspire a new wave of young agribusiness leaders.

The beneficiaries will be selected from seven states and 186 local government areas in the North West region. The scheme specifically targets graduates with Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, ensuring that educated young Nigerians actively participate in modern farming.

Senator Barau also noted that the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has prioritized investment in agriculture, committing over one trillion naira to the sector.
BOA’s Managing Director, Alwan Ali Hassan, praised the initiative, describing it as a groundbreaking effort to transform agriculture in Nigeria.

“We are proud to support this visionary program that will change the agricultural landscape of the region, particularly in maize and rice cultivation. BOA is fully committed to its successful implementation,” he assured.
Through this collaboration, the Barau Jibrin Foundation and BOA are laying the foundation for a new generation of successful, young farmers who will drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and ensure food sufficiency across Nigeria.

The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made this declaration during a courtesy visit by the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) at his office in Abuja.
Director of Information & Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, in a statement quoted Edun to have highlighted several government-led initiatives aimed at enhancing youth participation, financial inclusion, and economic stability, all in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He indicated that over 100,000 students have benefited from the Student Loan program, with ₦30 billion allocated to support higher education.

Another initiative; the Digital and Creative Economy Fund designed to finance youth-led businesses, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs.
Another initiative is the Consumer Credit Access which is a government-backed initiative that will improve financial access for young Nigerians.

Infrastructure Development according to the Minister is another initiative focused on unlocking agricultural potential and expanding the economy.

The Minister reaffirmed that the government is working to eliminate barriers that hinder youth involvement in key economic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and exports.
He urged young Nigerians to take full advantage of available opportunities and actively engage with government policies.
The National President of the Arewa Youth Forum, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, commended the government’s economic and job creation efforts, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

While acknowledging the government’s palliative interventions, Zagi appealed for additional support ahead of the Ramadan fast, noting the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.

The Minister assured the delegation of continued collaboration, stressing that the government remains focused on fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable economy for all Nigerians.

“The future belongs to you,” Edun told the youth representatives, encouraging stronger engagement between youth groups and policymakers to shape a prosperous national future.

With strategic programs like the Student Loan Scheme, Digital Economy Fund, and Consumer Credit Access, Nigeria’s youth are better positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. The government’s dedication to collaboration and empowerment signals a brighter future for young Nigerians.

In a groundbreaking move to uplift the creative industry in Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has established a fully equipped music studio, providing free access to local artistes and financial support to fuel their careers.

The initiative, unveiled on Valentine’s Day under the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Foundation, is set to revolutionize the entertainment landscape in the region. Beyond just a facility, the studio serves as a launchpad for emerging musicians who previously faced financial hurdles in recording their music.

The senator’s generosity extended beyond infrastructure—ten artistes received ₦300,000 each to boost their careers, while performers at the event also got financial support.
The Alema/Ohiogu Love Fest, which featured thrilling performances from top local talents, showcased the depth of musical artistry in Kogi Central.

With this initiative, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is not just investing in music; she is shaping a future where Kogi Central artistes have the tools to compete on a national and global scale.