The Oyo State Government has moved to expand support for young farmers, with plans to begin a fresh round of loan disbursements across the state.
The rollout, coordinated through the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, is expected to start next week, targeting youths willing to build careers in agriculture.
Speaking in Ibadan on Wednesday, the 18th of March, 2026, the agency’s Director-General, Debo Akande, said the programme is designed to pull more young people into agribusiness while strengthening food production and job creation.
He said, “The initiative is scheduled to begin next week and aims to introduce more youths to practical opportunities in agricultural ventures, a sector the agency views as critical to economic growth and job creation.”
The intervention forms part of a broader effort by the state to sustain food security through financing support. Under the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State, working alongside OYSADA, loans have continued to reach farmers across different zones.
In 2023, the government released N1 billion in agricultural loans under its recovery programme, extending support to farmers across all seven geopolitical zones.
Akande said the current phase places young people at the centre, noting that the state’s long-term agribusiness plan depends heavily on youth participation.
“This focus inspired the theme of the programme: Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture Programme,” he said, adding that training had commenced for participants at the Centre for Skills and Services in Nasarawa State, where beneficiaries are being exposed to modern agribusiness practices.
So far, over 60 young participants have taken part, receiving guidance from advisory teams drawn from partner organisations.
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“OYSADA has previously empowered hundreds of youths through similar initiatives by providing materials, training and loans to help them establish agribusiness ventures across rural, suburban and urban communities.
“In a related effort, the Oyo State Government has collaborated with financial institutions on youth agropreneur financing, including support for thousands of youths trained in agribusiness and a fund aimed at empowering youth-led enterprises in the sector”, he added.
According to him, beneficiaries were selected based on their readiness to grow sustainable agribusiness ventures.
He also acknowledged the backing of Seyi Makinde, noting that continued investment in agriculture remains key to job creation and stable food supply.
Stakeholders present at the briefing included representatives from First City Monument Bank, alongside senior officials of OYSADA and other players in the agriculture sector.