The National Youth Service Corps in partnership with Zeenab Foods Ltd, operators of Nigeria Exporters Hub, has commenced the export of about 17,000MT of agro-commodities to China.

The partners are exporting ginger, sesame seeds, cacciatore and soybean, based on request.

The Director, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, NYSC, Omotade Folorunso, and the Chairman, Zeenab Foods, Victor Ayemere, disclosed this in Abuja at the inauguration of the first container of agro-commodities to be exported by corps members through the indigenous firm.

Speaking at the event, Ayemere said the aim of the initiative was to change the mindset of Nigerian youths from being import dependent to export-oriented.

He said the federal government gave Zeenab the mandate to set up and operate the Nigeria Export Trade House in China, and in other far east countries to ensure the continuous export of agro-commodities.

“Our aim is to get as many people as possible to join in the export trade to China, and presently we have a demand for 17,000MT of agro-produce and we are still trying to meet up this demand,” Ayemere stated.

He explained that for the season, the target was to export 100 containers of ginger and 100 containers of sesame seeds, cacciatore and soybeans.

He further explained that agro-commodities were rejected when an exporter fails to follow stipulated specifications.

“When orders are placed, there are specifications to which the exporter must adhere. In our own case, we have quality control officers who make sure our goods are in line with the specifications,” Ayemere stated.

On his part, the NYSC director said Zeenab Foods supported corps members in the export of agro-commodities, as this was in line with the objectives of the NYSC.

“It is in line with the NYSC objectives of adding value to the corps members in the one year of national service, such that they will not become liabilities to themselves, their parents and the country,” Folorunso stated.