The Kwara State Government, in partnership with Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has launched a maize production project aimed at empowering young people, improving food security and supporting livestock development.

The initiative involves the cultivation of 3.5 hectares of farmland at the university’s Faculty of Agriculture.

The project is being implemented under the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme, a state programme designed to encourage youth participation in livestock and agricultural businesses.

Maize Production to Support Livestock

The maize produced through the initiative will primarily be used to make livestock feed, linking crop production directly with the state’s livestock development efforts.

The project is expected to help strengthen local feed supply while creating opportunities for young people to participate in agriculture as an enterprise.

Agriculture Initiative Targets Youth Unemployment

The Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme aims to address youth unemployment by encouraging young people to develop sustainable businesses in agriculture and livestock.

The programme also seeks to promote innovation, strengthen food-system resilience and improve the sector’s ability to adapt to climate change.

By combining crop production with livestock development, the initiative could create opportunities across multiple parts of the agricultural value chain.

Al-Hikmah University Supports Agricultural Development

The maize planting exercise marks the first phase of the partnership between Kwara State and Al-Hikmah University.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Lateef Oladimeji said the partnership would expand the university’s agricultural activities while contributing to food production and food security in Kwara State.

The initiative demonstrates how partnerships between government and educational institutions can support practical agricultural training, production and youth enterprise development.

Kwara Strengthens Food Security Through Agriculture

The project comes as Nigerian states seek to increase agricultural production, create jobs for young people and strengthen local food systems.

By investing in maize production and livestock-related enterprises, Kwara State is seeking to develop a more integrated agricultural value chain while providing young people with opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.

The success of the 3.5-hectare pilot could provide a foundation for expanding youth-focused agricultural and livestock programmes across the state.