The Youth Farmers Development Initiative (YFDI) has officially launched its “Palm Maintenance and Management Initiative” in partnership with the FCT Department of Parks and Recreation, promising to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs annually for youth while enhancing the beauty and environmental health of the capital city.
Comrade Chilota Onyeka, the National President of YFDI, made the disclosure during the official flag-off ceremony in Abuja, stating that the project is a testament to the youth’s readiness to take responsibility for environmental stewardship and green economy development.
Job Creation and Urban Renewal
Mr. Onyeka assured the public that the initiative, which also has technical support from Madox Agro Equipment Services, will not only maintain the aesthetic look of palms but also harness their full value chain to generate revenue through finished products.
”We will engage hundreds of youths every year on direct and indirect jobs in FCT and beyond,” Onyeka affirmed. “This initiative is particularly significant to us at YFDI because it captures the very essence of why our organization exists: to mobilize young Nigerians for productive engagement in agriculture, environmental stewardship, and green economy development.”
He emphasized that the project is more than just tree trimming; it’s a structured programme designed to:
Employ and train young people in environmental management techniques.
Improve the health of urban palms and green corridors.
Enhance safety and visibility along major roads and public spaces.
Reinforce Abuja’s reputation as one of Africa’s greenest cities.
The YFDI boss extended his appreciation to the Department of Parks and Recreation for trusting the organization with the crucial task, as well as to the Coordinator of AMMC and the FCT Minister for the opportunity.
He lauded the technical partners, Madox Agro Equipment Services, for providing expertise, modern tools, and practical insights, highlighting them as a model for private-sector synergy in national projects.
”At YFDI, we see this as just the beginning,” Onyeka stated, outlining a vision to expand the model across the FCT and eventually the entire country, integrating environmental management into youth-driven agricultural initiatives, green job creation, and climate adaptation programmes.
In her welcome speech, the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation FCT, Mrs. Ifeoma Umeha, thanked YFDI for the collaboration. She stressed that this pilot phase is a test for further engagement with the organization and charged the young farmers to contribute their quota toward the development of the FCT and the nation.
Mrs. Umeha charged the youth to ensure the palms are well-maintained and Abuja is beautified, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
Corroborating the commitment, Alhaji Haruna Isah, the representative of Madox Agro Equipment Services, guaranteed that the company is ready to provide all necessary equipment for the maintenance and processing of palms into finished products.
He assured stakeholders that this effort will generate jobs, revenue, and contribute to making Abuja clean and beautiful.
Comrade Onyeka concluded his address with a call to action, urging public and private organizations to join the movement. “Let us turn maintenance into a movement, and make every green project an opportunity for empowerment, innovation, and national pride. Together, we are cultivating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Abuja.”
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