By Adabara Abduljelil El-Okene .
About 200 farmers and traders from Okene-Ogori/Magongo federal constituency of Kogi state have benefited from the training and empowerment programme facilitated by the lawmaker representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Tijani-Ahned Yusuf Damisa.
According to Damisa, the programme tagged “season Intervention” is to partly fulfil his promises to the people of his constituency.
Damisa, who was represented at the event by Adams Ibrahim Kadoka, described the project as first of its kind and assured the people of the area that he would not rest on his oars in ensuring that life becomes better for the people.
He explained that the training was to teach farmers and traders on innovations and expose them to global best practices in their respective fields.
He said participants will be given cash to invest in their farming and trading.
Damisa also disclosed that the programme was put together by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Federal College of Cooperative, Oji River, Enugu State in collaboration with a private firm, JATPLUS Global Ventures Ltd.
Also, the resource persons from National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State in collaboration with Joy and Grace Limited, said that participants were exposed to how to store and preserve farm produce, goods as well as how to raise capital to boost their businesses.
“We taught them how to start farming and trading and how to raise capital and most of them responded positively.”
Also speaking, HRH. Momoh Jimoh Salawu Achuja, the Ina Oguna of Okene-Ajaokuta local government areas, lauded the programme and advised participants to look beyond their cash, seeds, spraying machine and contribute their quota to the development of the community through agriculture.
Chairman Okene farmers expressed gratitude to Damisa, describing him as a God sent.
“It will be difficult for me or anyone for that matter to be able to express our joy today; we are deeply happy with this uncommon gesture which has now become common through our son, Damisa.”
