***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.