The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education under the aegis of the IDEAS-TVET initiative, has flagged off an intensive training programme for youths in crop production.

The initiative, also supported by the World Bank, is designed to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, enhance employability, and stimulate economic growth through innovation and inclusivity.

The training, organised by JOLAP in collaboration with Hort Consultancy Ventures Limited, an arm of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Oyo State, is designed to train 200 youths in Ibadan and also equip them with practical skills and knowledge to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the growth of the economy.

In his welcome address, the Training Project Manager, Mr. Gabriel Oyedola, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the official flag-off of the JOLAP Business Venture Training Program under the IDEAS-TVET 2 Project.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards empowering 200 youths with skills and knowledge in crop production.

“I am confident that through this programme, our participants will gain valuable insights and skills that will empower them to become successful entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.

“I would like to assure you that our team is committed to providing the best possible training experience for our participants. We have assembled a team of experienced trainers who will guide and mentor our participants throughout this programme.”

While delivering her goodwill message, the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, represented by Mr. Akintunde Babatunde, noted: “Today’s event represents far more than a training launch—it is a renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s skills ecosystem.

“The IDEAS Project, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank, is a strategic intervention to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, enhance employability, and stimulate economic growth through innovation, productivity, and inclusiveness.”

Addressing the participants, Ogwu stated: “This is your moment. Seize it with passion and discipline. The knowledge and practical competencies you will gain here are not just skills—they are tools for independence, creativity, and nation-building. IDEAS–TVET is designed to give you the edge to compete, innovate, and lead.”

The Executive Director of NIHORT, Professor Muhammed Attanda, in his remarks, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to providing the necessary tools, expertise, and manpower support to ensure the success of the programme.

He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving food sufficiency under the Renewed Hope agenda, stating that NIHORT will always remain one of the major contributors to achieving this all-important objective.

The coordinator of Training and Services at Hort Consultancy Ventures Limited, Dr Akintunde Akinfasoye, admonished the trainees to see the Federal Government’s gesture as a rare opportunity that should be judiciously utilised.