Under the leadership of Adebayo Cornelius, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is undertaking a transformative effort to modernize agriculture in Nigeria. One of the agency’s notable initiatives is the upcoming launch of the Institute of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, which is scheduled to begin operations in September at its Aba campus in Abia State.
This ambitious project demonstrates a strong commitment to empowering the nation’s youth by creating sustainable career paths in agribusiness, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s emphasis on food security.
Facing a significant challenge of an aging population of farmers, the NALDA Institute aims to attract and educate the younger generation, providing them with practical training and entrepreneurial skills tailored specifically to the agricultural sector. This initiative targets students from primary through tertiary levels, fostering an early interest in agribusiness and equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed.
Cornelius emphasizes that cultivating this interest early is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture in Nigeria, where the existing farmer population is increasingly retiring without a new generation to take their place.
The Aba campus is set to become a leading institution for agribusiness education, fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 600-capacity sports complex, laboratories, a library, and a clinic. The facility also features specialized agricultural units, such as a 50,000-capacity fish pond and a 5,000-capacity snail house, ensuring that students receive comprehensive hands-on training across various aspects of agribusiness. Additionally, with the addition of solar-powered boreholes and crop fields, the campus represents a commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Under Cornelius’s leadership, NALDA has also made significant progress in engaging young Nigerians in practical agriculture. Currently, the institute offers government-approved certificate courses in key areas such as fishery, poultry, snail farming, and hatchery management. These educational offerings not only empower youth by providing them with relevant skills but also position the institute as a self-sustaining entity that generates revenue through its various programs. Cornelius has proudly stated that the blend of theoretical and practical training prepares graduates to contribute effectively to the agricultural sector.
In addition to educational growth, NALDA has also taken important steps to directly support local farmers. The organization is actively involved in distributing seeds, herbicides, and pesticides sufficient for one hectare of farmland, benefitting primarily women and youth across more than ten states. This hands-on support system is designed to improve yields and enhance the livelihood of farmers nationwide, further ensuring that the country moves closer to achieving its food security goals.
