The Federal Government of Nigeria and International Fund for Agricultural Development Assisted Value Chain Development Programme, has launched a three-week training programme for 20 youth farmers in Kogi State.
The training was organised by Kogi VCDP in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology.
It aims to equip participants with skills in fabricating and maintaining agricultural equipment, focusing on cassava and rice value chains.
At the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday at NKFI Lokoja, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, congratulated participants on being selected for the training.
He emphasised that they represent not just themselves, but their communities, local governments, and Kogi State, saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
The Commissioner said the initiative aligned with Gov Ahmed Ododo’s vision to empower youth and boost food security in the state.
Ojomah praised the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Dr Stella Adejoh and her team for the impactful work of IFAD-VCDP in Kogi, which has improved farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
He urged participants to focus on applying the skills for their benefit, families, and communities.
The Commissioner assured participants of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration’s continued support to enhance their livelihoods.
The SPC, Dr Stella Adejoh, emphasised the programme’s goal of empowering youths to improve their livelihoods and contribute to food security in the state.
She emphasised that the initiative aims to equip participants with skills in fabricating simple farming tools for cassava and rice value chains.
Dr Adejoh noted the programme is the second phase of the Fabrication training, with 20 participants selected from five local government areas: Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Ibaji, Lokoja, and Olamaboro.
“We expect participants to cascade the training to their communities and clusters, making life easier for farmers,” she said.
The SPC noted that beneficiaries would receive a starter pack after the training to support their community outreach efforts.
Dr Adejoh praised Governor Ahmed Ododo for his support and prompt payment of counterpart funds, enabling the programme to make a significant impact on benefiting farmers.
The Managing Director, Kogi State Agriculture Development Programme (Kogi ADP), Dr Bello George Ogirima, stressed the importance of mechanisation in agriculture and commended Governor Ododo for supporting farmers.
He congratulated participants and stressed the need for ongoing collaboration with institutes and stakeholders to enhance food security.
Dr Ogirima praised Gov Ahmed Ododo for supporting farmers and investing in agriculture.
NKFI Rector, Dr Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, hailed the NKFI-Kogi VCDP partnership, saying it’s a win for Kogi State.
Represented by Director Academic Planning, Mr Omada Eneojo, the Rector promised top-notch training, urging participants to soak up the knowledge.
He said the training covers welding, fabrication of farm equipment, and more.
Participants, including Sefiat Yusuf from Ajaokuta, and Lewis Oguche from Ibaji, thanked FGN/IFAD-VCDP and pledged to utilise the training.
