FG, UNESCO's REF to Empower Over Four Million Nigerians

News in brief:

-FG collaborates with UNESCO REF to train and finance 4.5 million Nigerians in hydroponics and agro-kenaf agribusiness.

-Initiative targets food security, women's empowerment, and climate-resilient agriculture under the UN 2030 Agenda.

The Federal Government has unveiled a major agricultural empowerment programme designed to improve food security and boost rural prosperity across the country. Through a new partnership with UNESCO’s Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), 4.5 million Nigerians will be trained and financially supported to establish climate-smart agribusinesses.

Barrister Yejide Ogundipe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, announced the initiative during a national briefing in Abuja. She said food security remains a core commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This is not just an agricultural intervention; it is a national security and empowerment strategy,” Ogundipe stated.

The project aligns with global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Programme Phases: 4.5 Million Beneficiaries by 2030

The empowerment campaign will run through 2030 in two phases:

-Phase 1: to benefit 3 million Nigerians and sponsor the agribusiness launch

-Phase 2: to benefit 1.5 million Nigerians and expand nationwide participation

Beneficiaries will be trained in Hydroponic and Agro-Kenaf Enterprise Development, technologies that support higher yields, low water use, and improved climate resilience.

Target participants include young women and youth across six geopolitical zones, as well as civil servants nearing retirement, for whom post-service livelihoods are a priority.

Beneficiaries engaged in kenaf value-chain activities are expected to earn at least ₦400,000 every 12 weeks, helping drive sustainable income growth and financial independence.

Inclusive Growth and Climate Resilience at the Core

Ogundipe emphasised that the programme will reduce climate-related risks in food production, strengthen national food sovereignty, catalyse local agribusiness growth, and improve rural wealth creation.

Relevant ministries and agencies have validated the initiative to ensure a credible rollout and large-scale impact across agricultural value chains.

Global Alignment and Strategic Collaboration

Prince Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of UNESCO REF, highlighted the programme’s global significance, noting its alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and African Union Agenda 2063.

He described the initiative as a continental model for empowering women and driving innovation in food systems.

“This programme is an instrument of stability, prosperity, and hope for millions of Nigerians,” he said.

UNESCO REF will provide oversight to guarantee sustainability, international visibility, and integration into global development frameworks.

Conclusion

With millions set to gain climate-smart farming skills, access to finance, and structured market support, the FG-UNESCO REF initiative stands as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious food security interventions.

As rollout progresses nationwide, all eyes will be on measurable improvements in food supply, household income, and national economic resilience.