Ondo Agric Commissioner lauds High-Level Policy Dialogue on Access to Finance

By Jesufemi Oluwadare

The Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Olaleye Akinola, has lauded the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Access to Finance and Empowering Youth and Women in Agribusiness Success, with the theme: “Bridging the Gap: Access to Finance and Empowering Youth and Women for Agribusiness Success”, convened by the African Development Bank (AfDB), describing the initiative, which aims to create actionable pathways for bridging the agricultural financing gap, particularly for young and female agripreneurs in Nigeria, as a step in the right direction.

The commissioner made this remark on Monday in Abuja while addressing the press after the one-day event. He noted that the dialogue was a timely intervention that would enhance youth and women’s access to finance and support services in agribusiness, which, according to him, would not only boost food security but also stimulate economic growth in Nigeria.

He added that the framework aims to provide millions of women and youths with access to agricultural support systems tailored to their unique needs.

Engr. Akinola, while commending the organisers of the programme, noted that the event aligns with Ondo State’s agricultural initiatives. According to him, the Ondo State Government has announced plans to empower over 1,000 women and youths through agricultural training, financial assistance, and farm equipment, thereby enhancing food security and economic development.

He further stated that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is committed to advancing agriculture through strategic partnerships and the empowerment of youth and women in the state.

“The High-Level Policy Dialogue is a crucial step towards addressing the challenges faced by youth and women in agribusiness.

The AfDB’s initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve 100% inclusion of women and youth in agriculture, ensuring food security and sustainable economic growth.

The Ondo State Government has also expressed commitment to partnering with relevant agencies to boost mechanised farming and strengthen food security initiatives,” he said.

Earlier, in his keynote address at the AfDB’s High-Level Policy Dialogue in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stressed the need for urgent and inclusive financial support services to empower youth and women in agribusiness.

He stated that to achieve agricultural transformation in the country, youth and women must be empowered, saying: “To feed Nigeria and generate jobs at scale, we must be deliberate in financing and empowering those who will drive this transformation. This is not just an economic necessity; it is a strategic pillar of nation-building.”

The minister, therefore, called on all stakeholders to commit to a shared compact — finance that is easier to access, standards that open markets, technology that raises yields, and partnerships that deliver results.

The high-level policy dialogue, which concluded with substantial commitments from all parties to deepen collaboration and fast-track reforms that will catalyse economic empowerment and transform Nigeria’s agro-economy into a driver of inclusive growth, brought together stakeholders from government, financial institutions, the private sector, and agribusiness across Nigeria.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Honourable Minister for Budget and Economic Planning; His Excellency Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister for Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Minister for Youth Development; and Professor Attahiru Jega, Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development and Dr. Abdul Kamara, AfDB Country Director as well as Commissioners and representatives of state Ministry of Agriculture and representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, and the National Credit Guarantee Company, among others.