By Stephen Adeleye.
No fewer than 20:youths have graduated from a training programme on Fabrication and Maintenance of Agriculture Equipment in Kogi State.
The training was organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria/International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) in partnership with Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI).
The Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, at the graduation ceremony and starter packs’ distribution on Wednesday in Lokoja, congratulated the beneficiaries of the one-month training programme.
Ojomah, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Moses Dare, said the initiative aligns with Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s vision for youth and women entrepreneurs to be self-reliant and boost food security.
He praised the State Project Coordinator, Dr Stella Adejoh, and her team for the impact of IFAD-VCDP in Kogi, improving farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
Ojomah urged beneficiaries to utilize their skills, cascade the training locally, and assured continued government support.
He emphasized that the training is invaluable, saying the certificate is recognized globally, enabling beneficiaries to work anywhere, including with oil companies.
The Commissioner advised some beneficiaries to stay in the state and train others, promoting skills transfer and development.
The National Project Coordinator, Dr Fatima Aliyu, said the programme is part of the “Rural Youth Enterprise Model” initiative, which identifies 25 viable enterprises along the cassava and rice value chains.
Represented by Dr Musa Dalang, Rural Institution Gender and Youth Development Adviser (RIGYDS), Aliyu said the programme aims to empower youths and transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector by building competitive and sustainable value chains.
According to her, the trained youths can now fabricate equipment such as rice destoners, cassava graters, and watering machines, thereby reducing dependence on imported tools and creating jobs.
Aliyu appreciated Kogi State Government and stakeholders for their support, urging the youths to put their skills into practice and become self-reliant.
Dr Stella Adejoh, State Programme Coordinator, VCDP-AF, congratulated the graduates, saying they have shown commitment, resilience, and teamwork to complete the programme.
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.
She urged beneficiaries to cascade the training to their communities and clusters, making life easier for farmers and the society at large.
Dr Adejoh praised Governor Ahmed Ododo for his supporting and creating enabling environment for the programme to make a significant impact on benefiting farmers.
She urged beneficiaries to be bold, courageous, and determined, believing in themselves as they become captains of industries and employers of labour.
The Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) Rector, Dr Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, commended the trainees’ selection process saying the beneficiaries have performed effectively well.
Represented by Mr Omada Eneojo, Director Academic Planning, the rector called for more partnerships with the institution by Government MDAs.
Beneficiaries, Daniel Itodo from Olamaboro and Sefiat Yusuf from Ajaokuta, thanked IFAD-VCDP for the opportunity, saying they gained valuable skills in welding, cutting, and equipment maintenance.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of training certificates and starter packs to the beneficiaries by Kogi IFAD-VCDP.
