The Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development Assisted Value Chain Development Programme have launched a three-week training programme for 20 youth farmers in Kogi State to strengthen skills in agricultural equipment fabrication and maintenance.
The training, organised by Kogi VCDP in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology, focuses on building practical capacity in the cassava and rice value chains. The programme was officially flagged off on Wednesday at NKFI Lokoja.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, congratulated the participants on their selection, describing it as an opportunity that comes with responsibility. He told the youths that they represent more than themselves.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Ojomah said, stressing that the participants also stand for their communities, local governments, and Kogi State.
The Commissioner noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Ahmed Ododo to empower young people and strengthen food security across the state. He praised the State Project Coordinator, Dr Stella Adejoh, and her team for what he described as the impactful work of IFAD-VCDP in Kogi, adding that the programme has improved farmers’ livelihoods and access to food.
Ojomah urged the participants to remain focused and committed to applying the skills they would acquire for the benefit of themselves, their families, and their communities. He assured them of the continued support of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration in improving livelihoods through agriculture.
The State Project Coordinator, Dr Stella Adejoh, said the programme is designed to empower youths with hands-on skills that can improve their income and contribute directly to food security in Kogi State. She explained that participants are being trained to fabricate simple farming tools specifically for cassava and rice production.
Dr Adejoh disclosed that the programme is the second phase of the fabrication training and that the 20 participants were 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.
She added that beneficiaries would receive starter packs at the end of the training to support their outreach and practical engagement within their communities. Dr Adejoh also commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his support and prompt payment of counterpart funds, which she said has enabled the programme to make a significant impact on farmers.
The Managing Director of the Kogi State Agriculture Development Programme, Dr Bello George Ogirima, highlighted the importance of mechanisation in agriculture and commended the state government for its investment in the sector. He stressed the need for sustained collaboration with institutes and stakeholders to enhance food security.
The Rector of NKFI, Dr Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, described the NKFI-Kogi VCDP partnership as a win for Kogi State. Represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Mr Omada Eneojo, he assured participants of quality training covering welding and farm equipment fabrication.
Some participants, including Sefiat Yusuf from Ajaokuta and Lewis Oguche from Ibaji, expressed appreciation to FGN/IFAD-VCDP and pledged to fully utilise the training.
