No fewer than 120 youths, trained under the Renewed Hope Initiative (ASP-RHI) agricultural empowerment programme, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and office of the Abia State Governor’s wife, have been empowered with agricultural start-up kits and N12 million grants.
The youths, trained in essential skills in sustainable agriculture, namely – organic fertiliser production, animal feed formulation, pest management, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), were thereafter empowered to begin businesses in these areas.
The kits and funds were handed-over to the beneficiaries by the Governor’s wife, Priscilla Chidima Otti on behalf of the first lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, who underscored the need to empower young people.
She said: “From the food on our tables to the clothes on our backs, agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and it is exciting to see our youth taking an interest in this sector.”
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Adaeze Chidera Emetu, Mrs Otti commended the first Lady’s Youth Agricultural Support Programme under the RHI, noting that her relentless efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture are testaments to her dedication and inspiring commitment to the nation’s growth.
Describing the programme as “a Catalyst for Change,” she noted that both the training and the starter packs were done simultaneously in the three senatorial zones of the state last month.
She added that the impactful programme presented an opportunity for the youths to acquire knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed in agriculture and contribute to the state and country’s economic growth.
Mrs Otti further stressed that the RHI has showcased the state’s dedication to unlocking the potential of young individuals in agriculture, while driving the growth of the agricultural sector.
She therefore enjoined the beneficiaries to transform their lives and communities, using the skills acquired and the resources provided them to grow their potentials, adding “by aligning with our nation’s vision to fortify agriculture and ensure food security, we are taking a significant step towards a brighter, more sustainable future.”
Similarly, the state Sports and Youth Development Commissioner, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, who described the programme as fantastic, said it would facilitate the journey back to farms abandoned after the discovery of oil in Nigeria.