In a significant step towards grassroots economic revitalisation, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has officially launched the Renewed Hope Women and Youth Empowerment Programme in Oba-Oke, located in the Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. This bold initiative aligns closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision of stimulating rural development, enhancing agricultural productivity, and fostering sustainable income generation for citizens at the grassroots level. The programme is particularly tailored to empower women and youth by introducing them to a sustainable poultry farming model that is both economically viable and socially transformative.
During the launch event, the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, described the project as a transformative initiative aimed at uplifting Nigeria’s middle economic class. He explained that the programme operates through a revolving scheme where each beneficiary is provided with two poultry cages, twenty 3-week-old birds, and four bags of poultry feed. This thoughtful setup is intended to give participants a head start in poultry farming without the heavy burden of initial capital, allowing them to build profitable, self-sustaining businesses. After nurturing the birds for three to four weeks, registered off-takers will purchase the mature poultry, ensuring that profits are systematically shared among NALDA, the beneficiaries, and the host communities. This structure is designed to create a continuous cycle of reinvestment, fostering a growing network of empowered individuals and resilient local economies.
Cornelius Adebayo also took the opportunity to highlight NALDA’s rich history, tracing its roots back to its establishment in 1992 and its subsequent revitalization in June 2020 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He emphasized that the Authority plays a crucial role in managing vast tracts of agricultural land held in trust for Nigerian communities. NALDA’s mandate extends beyond land development; it encompasses everything from land preparation to storage, marketing, and partnerships with both local and international stakeholders. This comprehensive approach ensures that agricultural initiatives are sustainable, scalable, and beneficial to a wide array of participants across the country.
Importantly, Adebayo made it clear that the Renewed Hope Women and Youth Empowerment Programme is not just another government giveaway. Instead, it is conceived as a social enterprise capable of significantly contributing to national food security, reducing unemployment, and boosting Nigeria’s agricultural exports. By equipping citizens with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed, the programme serves as a catalyst for broader economic growth and stability. Adebayo also underscored that while the initiative operates within a political environment, its goals transcend partisan politics, focusing instead on creating tangible, lasting benefits for communities nationwide.
In his closing remarks, the Executive Secretary urged all participants to adhere strictly to the programme’s guidelines to ensure its success and expansion. He commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises, noting that visible progress is already being made across various sectors. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the community members, stakeholders, and partners who supported the programme’s launch, Adebayo expressed hope that the small seeds sown through this initiative would one day grow into mighty trees, providing shelter, sustenance, and economic prosperity for the people of Osun State and beyond.
The launch event witnessed a remarkable turnout of stakeholders, including representatives from local communities, youth groups, and women’s associations. Their presence underscored the broad-based support and enthusiasm surrounding the initiative, marking a promising beginning for the Renewed Hope Women and Youth Empowerment Programme in Nigeria.
