Nigeria has taken a leading role at the 49th Session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council in Rome, with Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, spearheading calls for strategic investment in youth and women in agriculture.

The council, themed “From Farm to Market: Investing in Young Entrepreneurs,” emphasised the transformative role of youth in job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

Sen. Kyari, elected Chairperson of IFAD’s Governing Council after previously serving as Vice Chair, thanked member states for their confidence and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the interests of rural women and men globally.

He stressed that prioritising youth and women in agriculture would unlock economic opportunities, strengthen food systems, reduce poverty, and drive innovation across the sector.

Highlighting Nigeria’s domestic agenda, Sen. Kyari lauded President Bola Tinubu for placing food security at the centre of national priorities. He noted that Nigeria’s leadership at IFAD reflects the country’s mandate to boost agricultural productivity, expand opportunities for youth and women, and build resilient systems capable of withstanding climate and market disruptions.

The minister also commended the work of the IFAD Nigeria Country Office, led by Country Director Ms. Dede Ekoue, for translating global commitments into tangible impacts, particularly in strengthening value chains, empowering young farmers and women, and supporting smallholder resilience.

Key highlights of the session included: Centre Stage Event featuring IFAD President Álvaro Lario and African entrepreneur Tony Elumelu, the discussion highlighted the catalytic role of young innovators in transforming rural economies.

Another session included Women in Agriculture, which focused on recognition of women farmers’ critical role in food systems, marking the International Year of the Woman Farmer, while Urgent priorities were discussed on Climate and Water Security, which include strategic investment in irrigation, adaptive infrastructure, and climate resilience initiatives.

As the conference concluded, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation in tackling hunger and poverty, demonstrating its role as a responsible and forward-looking voice on the global stage.

This session solidifies Nigeria’s influence in shaping global agricultural policies while promoting inclusive growth through targeted support for women and youth in the sector.