Kogi youths gain mechanisation skills in FG–IFAD agricultural programme

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has launched a three-week training programme for 20 youth farmers in Kogi State aimed at enhancing food security.

Organised by Kogi VCDP in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), the programme focuses on equipping participants with skills in fabricating and maintaining agricultural equipment, particularly for cassava and rice value chains.

At the flag-off ceremony held on Wednesday at NKFI, Lokoja, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, congratulated the selected youths and urged them to represent not just themselves but their communities and local governments. He said the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmed Ododo’s vision to empower youth and boost food security in the state.

Ojomah also commended the State Project Coordinator, Dr Stella Adejoh, and her team for the impactful work of IFAD-VCDP in improving farmers’ livelihoods and food security in Kogi. He encouraged participants to apply the skills acquired for the benefit of their families and communities, assuring them of the government’s continued support.

Dr Adejoh highlighted that the training aims to empower youths to fabricate simple farming tools for cassava and rice production and is the second phase of the programme. The 20 participants were selected from five local government areas: Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Ibaji, Lokoja, and Olamaboro. She added that beneficiaries would receive starter packs to support community outreach efforts and cascade the skills to other farmers.

The Managing Director of Kogi State Agriculture Development Programme (Kogi ADP), Dr Bello George Ogirima, stressed the importance of mechanisation in agriculture and lauded the state government for supporting farmers. NKFI Rector, Dr Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, through Director of Academic Planning, Mr Omada Eneojo, promised top-notch training covering welding, equipment fabrication, and related skills.

Participants, including Sefiat Yusuf from Ajaokuta and Lewis Oguche from Ibaji, expressed gratitude to FGN and IFAD-VCDP, pledging to utilise the skills gained to improve agricultural productivity in their communities.