The Oyo State government has pledged its full support to for the successful implementation of the Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP) in the state.
The project was an agricultural empowerment programme designed to address irregular migration, reintegration of returnees and reducing rural to urban-international migration pressures via agricultural livelihood.
Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde gave the assurance when he received the delegation of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where he stressed that the initiative will assist the state in its ongoing efforts to expand agricultural development and youth empowerment agenda.
Governor Makinde who spoke through his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, said that the state government had allocated land for the YERP initiative.
He said the project will foster modern farming practices, value-chain development, and youth engagement across selected communities in alignment with Governor Makinde’s administration’s goals of promoting sustainable food systems and reducing unemployment through agribusiness-driven initiatives.
“Agriculture remains one of the major sectors through which our government seeks to empower our people and build a self-sustaining economy. This collaboration with ICMPD will further consolidate our efforts in ensuring that rural youths and returnees are gainfully engaged in productive ventures”, he assured
Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, described the project as a strategic step toward sustainable agricultural growth and youth empowerment in the State.
Olaleye explained that the present administration in the state has continued to prioritise massive investment in the sector to guarantee food security.
He emphasised that the government’s tractorization initiative (50% subsidy or support for mechanised inputs) has eased cost of production and contributed to more stable or reduced food prices across Oyo State.
He assured the ICMPD delegation of his ministry’s continuous technical support for the success of YERP, which he said will further strengthen the State’s agrarian economy and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Speaking on behalf of thedelegation, Head of ICMPD Pan-African Region, Ms. Monica Zanette, expressed appreciation for Oyo State Government’s warm reception and strong commitment to the project.
Zanette stated that YERP was designed to empower rural youths and returnees through sustainable agricultural opportunities, improving their livelihoods and encouraging inclusive growth.
She added that Oyo State’s proactive policy environment made it a natural partner for ICMPD, and pledged close cooperation with the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure that the project achieves long-term impact, stressing that the project would benefit at least 700 youths.
