The Donald Peterson Foundation and the Office of the Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Donald Peterson, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Delta (UniDel), Agbor, to train 2000 youths in Tech-Preneurship and Agro-Preneurship.
The agreement with the University of Delta is aimed at creating alternative opportunities for young people, steering them away from crime and helping them build sustainable sources of income. Under the arrangement, UniDel will provide infrastructure and issue diploma certificates, while the Donald Peterson Foundation will supply resource persons to deliver training in both Tech-Preneurship and Agro-Preneurship.
Speaking to journalists at the operational office of the Donald Peterson Foundation in Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area, Dr. Peterson stressed that the initiative goes beyond conventional teaching of IT-related courses.
“You are not just taught programming and IT-related courses; you are taught how to apply this knowledge in the business world, and your project will be your own business,” he said.
He further explained, “When you consider the multiplier effect of what we’re doing, it becomes clear that we are not merely teaching IT courses. We are infusing IT with business elements.”
According to him, the foundation is focused on building capacity through education, mentorship, and innovation. “What we stand for is adding value—adding value through human capacity development, education, and mentorship. The space from which you come is where many of these issues are addressed, acting like a command center,” he added.
Dr. Peterson disclosed that the 2000 students had already begun classes in Tech-Preneurship at the University of Delta about four to five months ago, while the Agro-Preneurship program is expected to commence in October.
The program is structured into seven modules. He noted that each module, if taken outside the initiative, would cost a minimum of N500,000. “So, for the seven modules, we are talking about N3.5 million, which we are offering for free. Considering the 2000 students registered, this package represents a value of over N7 billion,” he stated.
Highlighting the economic empowerment vision behind the initiative, the Special Adviser said, “By the time you finish the course, you will be on the path to starting your own business. You will already be a business owner and, potentially, an employer of labor, which aligns with the ideology of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda to help youths become more self-reliant, resourceful, and productive.”
On the Agro-Preneurship component, Dr. Peterson revealed that the program will introduce trainees to a project tagged “Black Soldier Flies (BSF),” which focuses on raising maggots as affordable, protein-rich animal feed.
“The use of maggots allows you to raise bigger, stronger, healthier chickens for almost zero cost. Fish and pigs also benefit from feeding on maggots, which is particularly beneficial for those involved in animal husbandry,” he explained.
He acknowledged that some individuals may find maggots unappealing, but assured that another option, Azolla, would also be included in the program. Azolla, a water fern that grows in ponds and basins, is highly nutritious and suitable for feeding chickens, goats, and pigs.
Describing these alternatives as “low-hanging fruits,” the Special Adviser said training will be organized to guide participants on how to cultivate Azolla at home. “One impressive feature of this wonder feed alternative is its ability to replicate every 48 hours,” he noted.
Dr. Peterson also welcomed the approval of a multi-million-naira flyover project at the Uromi junction in Agbor, Ika South headquarters, recently endorsed by the state executive council under Governor Oborevwori.
He described the project as a long-awaited development. “This initiative is a welcome relief that will not only enhance economic activities in the area but also ensure the safety of lives, recalling that hundreds of people have lost their lives while crossing the busy road over the years,” he said.