The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (FGN/IFAD-VCDP), has launched a three-week training programme for 20 youth farmers in Kogi State.
The training, organised by the Kogi State VCDP in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), is designed to equip participants with skills in the fabrication and maintenance of agricultural equipment, with a focus on the cassava and rice value chains.
The programme was officially flagged off on Wednesday at the NKFI campus in Lokoja.
Speaking at the event, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, congratulated the beneficiaries and described their selection as an opportunity to represent their communities, local governments and the state.
He said the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Ahmed Ododo to empower youths and strengthen food security in Kogi State, urging participants to maximise the opportunity and apply the skills for the benefit of their families and communities.
Ojomah also commended the State Project Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Dr Stella Adejoh, and her team for their contributions to improving farmers’ livelihoods and enhancing food security in the state. He assured participants of the continued support of the Ododo administration.
In her remarks, Dr Adejoh said the programme aims to empower youths with practical skills to improve their livelihoods while contributing to food security. She explained that the training focuses on the fabrication of simple farming tools for cassava and rice value chains.
According to her, the programme is the second phase of the fabrication training, with participants drawn from five local government areas: Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Ibaji, Lokoja and Olamaboro.
She said beneficiaries are expected to transfer the knowledge gained to their communities and clusters, adding that each participant would receive a starter pack at the end of the training to support community outreach.
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Dr Adejoh also commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for the prompt payment of counterpart funds, which she said had enabled the programme to achieve significant impact.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Programme, Dr Bello George Ogirima, highlighted the importance of mechanisation in agriculture and praised the state government for its support to farmers.
The Rector of NKFI, Dr Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Mr Omada Eneojo, described the partnership between NKFI and Kogi VCDP as beneficial to the state. He assured participants of quality training covering welding and fabrication of farm equipment, among other skills.
Some of the participants, including Sefiat Yusuf from Ajaokuta and Lewis Oguche from Ibaji, expressed appreciation to the FGN/IFAD-VCDP for the opportunity and pledged to make effective use of the training.