The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to boost food production in the country.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, on behalf of the Scheme, signed the MoU at the NYSC National Headquarters in Abuja.

Brig. Gen. Ibrahim, according to a statement released by Mr. Emeka Mgbemena, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations at the NYSC Headquarters, commended NALDA for recently training 68 Corps members as Soil Doctors and Extension Service Workers.

He also lauded the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne, for his vision and strong passion for national development.

The DG, disclosed that the MoU would make the NYSC Farms become more active, with stakeholders’ support to enhance food sufficiency though the involvement of Corps Members.

“Our Corps members are knowledgeable and very skillful, but they need public support with a conducive environment. Be assured of our loyalty, as we are ready to move this partnership to the next level”, he said.

The Director-General renewed his appeal for the establishment of National Youth Service Trust Fund, whereby part of proceeds would be channelled as start-off funds for Corps Members to establish their businesses through the skills acquired during the service year, as well as maintenance of camp facilities.

He also appealed to Corps members with passion in agric-business, to embrace the opportunity offered by NALDA through the National Young Farmers’ Scheme to be trained in modern farming methods.

Earlier in his address, Prince Ikonne said there is need to boost food security in the country.

He commended NYSC Management for establishing Bakery and water factory, and also rejigging its farms across the country.

“NYSC will provide the land that would be used to train Corps members, while NALDA is very much interested in the partnership. The collaboration will boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” the NALDA Executive Secretary said.