The Oyo State Government has pledged its full support to the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for the successful implementation of the Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP).
The governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde, gave the pledge while receiving the ICMPD delegation in his office on Thursday, November 6.
Other members of the delegation included the Portfolio Manager, Mr. Marcello Glordano; and the Project Manager/YERP Manager in Abuja, Mr. Tunde Omoyeni; joined by senior management staff from the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
YERP is an agricultural empowerment programme designed to address irregular migration, reintegration of returnees and reducing rural to urban/international migration pressures via agricultural livelihood.
The governor, who spoke through his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, commended the initiative, saying that it would assist the state in its ongoing efforts to expand agricultural development and youth empowerment agenda.
He disclosed that the state government has allocated land for the YERP initiative.
He said the project would foster modern farming practices, value-chain development, and youth engagement across selected communities, aligning with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s goals of promoting sustainable food systems and reducing unemployment through agribusiness-driven initiatives.
“Agriculture remains one of the major sectors through which our government seeks to empower our people and build a self-sustaining economy.
“This collaboration with ICMPD will further consolidate our efforts in ensuring that rural youths and returnees are gainfully engaged in productive ventures,” he stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, described the project as a strategic step toward sustainable agricultural growth and youth empowerment in the state.
He explained that the present administration in the state has continued to prioritise massive investment in the sector to guarantee food security.
He emphasised that the government’s tractorisation initiative (50 percent subsidy or support for mechanised inputs) has eased cost of production and contributed to more stable or reduced food prices across Oyo State.
He assured the ICMPD delegation of his Ministry’s continuous technical support for the success of YERP, which he said, would further strengthen the state’s agrarian economy and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Speaking On behalf of ICMPD delegation, Head of ICMPD Pan-African Region, Ms. Monica Zanette, expressed appreciation for Oyo State Government’s warm reception and strong commitment to the project.
She said that YERP was designed to empower rural youths and returnees through sustainable agricultural opportunities, improving their livelihoods and encouraging inclusive growth.
She added that Oyo State’s proactive policy environment made it a natural partner for ICMPD, and pledged close cooperation with the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure that the project achieves long-term impact, stressing that the project would benefit at least 700 youths.
Other members of the ICMPD delegation included the Portfolio Manager, Mr. Marcello Glordano; the Project Manager/YERP Manager in Abuja, Mr. Tunde Omoyeni; along with senior management staff from the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
In acknowledgment of the partnership, the Oyo State Government presented the visiting ICMPD team with a gift in recognition of their commitment to supporting agricultural development in the state.
