A Kwara-based agrifirm, Are Olushola Farm Enterprise, is set to train 70 youths in the state on livestock farming as part of efforts to create job opportunities and enhance food security.

According to the founder of the enterprise, Aremu Olushola, the training will hold for a period of six months and is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education under its national technical-vocational scheme.

Aremu, who spoke during an orientation session for the selected youth in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, said 40 of the 70 participants will undergo tuition-free training on poultry production, while the remaining will undergo training on animal husbandry.

He added that each participant will receive monthly stipends and start-up support from the federal government, positioning them not only as trained workers but as potential agripreneurs.

“We are delighted to flag off this training in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education. Our goal is to raise skilled agriprenuers who are self-reliant and prepared to contribute to the promotion of food security in Nigeria,” Aremu said.

According to him, equipping young Nigerians with hands-on agricultural skills is not only an investment in individual livelihoods but also a strategic move toward national development and food security.

He further noted that “This initiative is aligned with national efforts to prioritise vocational training as a mechanism to directly impact youth unemployment. By also offering start-up support to trainees, the scheme seeks to go beyond mere training to real livelihood creation and business empowerment.”

Aremu appreciated the federal government for creating the TVET scheme and for selecting his company to participate in the initiative.

The FG, through the Ministry of Education, has in recent years expanded its technical-vocational education and training (TVET) portfolio, recognising the role of practical skills in bridging the gap between education and the labour market.