Boosting the participation of Nigerian youths in agriculture, the Federal lawmaker representing Okene-Ogori/Magongo Federal Constituency Hon. Tijani-Ahmed Yusuf Damisa has partnered with the Federal College of Animal Health and Poduction Technology, National Veterinary Research Insitutute, VOM to encourage over 100 of his constituents into livestock farming.
The beneficiaries, who are mainly youths from the two local governments, benefitted from the training and empowerment programme on how to rear chickens like broilers, layers and cockerels for business purposes.
At the three days training in Human capital development in Agricultural value chain in livestock (Poultry Farming) held at Ebira Muslim Community School in Okene Local Government Area of the state, participants were given funds, chicken feed, vaccine, and chickens that worth millions of naira.
The Coordinator of the programme, Ibrahim Adams Kadoka said the lawmaker has introduced this project, which he said was the second phase this year, the first phase took place last month, as a way of curtailing the menace of youth unemployment in the society.
Kadoka noted that engaging the youths positively in such initiative, will considerably enable them to utilize their innate abilities for profitable ventures in agriculture and thereby prevents restiveness in the constituency.
Damisa said he has taken steps to engage his constituents, especially the youths, frequently, through skills acquisition and educational development; and more importantly, to key into the diversification drive of the Federal Government.
The lawmaker noted that he decided to train them on livestock production in his second phase project because the business is lucrative and will add more value to their lives.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Buhari has taken agriculture as one of the cardinal projects of his administration, commending the State Government for doing much too in area of agriculture.
“We as lawmakers should not fold our arms, but support the state governors in this agenda. APC led government wants to diversify the economy and our youths must be empowered and encouraged to embrace agriculture,” he said.
Damisa added that the youths were being trained and financially empowered to start the business without any challenge.
Adabara Abduljelil El-Okene
Reporting from Okene