Youth poultry empowerment genuine, not scam – Ondo govt

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Government has urged youths in the state to key into its poultry empowerment programme, insisting that the initiative is genuine and designed to create sustainable livelihoods.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr Rotimi Akinsola, made the call on Wednesday at the graduation of the first batch of beneficiaries in Isuada, Owo Local Government Area.

Akinsola said the programme, tagged Adiye Irorun, targets 75 unemployed youths across the state and involves a six-week paid training in poultry production.

He explained that the scheme was structured to equip participants with practical skills while also supporting them financially during the training period, to enable a smooth transition into business ownership.

According to him, the graduation of the first batch was meant to demonstrate that the programme was real, noting that beneficiaries were paid for their services and could now serve as ambassadors to other youths.

He added that participants from other zones of the state would also graduate in the coming weeks, stressing that the goal was to make beneficiaries financially stable enough to start their own poultry ventures after training.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Samuel Ajewole described the initiative as impactful and youth-focused, as Akinsola later presented cheques totalling N8.5 million to participants for their services.