FG, IFAD-VCDP train Kogi youths on agricultural equipment fabrication, maintenance skills 

The Federal Government of Nigeria and International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD) Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF), have launched a three-week training programme for 20 youth farmers in Kogi State. Organised by Kogi VCDP in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), aims to equip participants with skills in fabricating and maintaining agricultural equipment, focusing on cassava and rice value chains.

Timothy Ojomah, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, at the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday at NKFI Lokoja, commended participants, as he emphasized that they represent not just themselves, but their communities, local governments, and Kogi State. The commissioner said that the initiative aligned with Governor Ahmed Ododo’s vision to empower youth and boost food security in the state. Ojomah equally commended Stella Adejoh, the project coordinator and her team for the impactful work of IFAD -VCDP in Kogi, which has improved farmers’ livelihoods and food security.

He urged the participants to focus on applying the skills for their benefit, families, and communities, as he assured participants of Governor Ododo’s administration’s continued support to enhance their livelihoods.

Adejoh emphasized the programme’s goal of empowering youth to improve their livelihoods and contribute to food security in the state, adding that the initiative aims to equip participants with skills in fabricating simple farming tools for cassava and rice value chains. Adejoh noted that 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.

Adejoh praised the governor for his support and prompt payment of counterpart funds, enabling the programme to make a significant impact on benefiting farmers, noting that beneficiaries would receive a starter pack after the training to support their community outreach efforts.

Bello Georhe Ogirima, managing director, Kogi State Agriculture Development Programme (Kogi ADP), equally pointed out the importance of mechanization in agriculture and commended Governor Ododo for supporting farmers and investing in agriculture. He congratulated the participants and stressed the need for ongoing collaboration with institutes and stakeholders to enhance food security.

Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, NKFI rector, commended the NKFI-Kogi VCDP partnership, saying that it is a win for the state. Represented by Omada Enejo, director, Academic Planning, the rector promised top-notch training, urging the participants to soak up the knowledge, adding that the training covers fabrication of farm equipment, welding and more. The participants, including Sefiat Yusuf from Ajaokuta, and Lewis Oguche from Ibaji, thanked FGN/IFAD-VCDP and pledged to utilize the training.