Over 75,000 youths across Ondo State are set to benefit from a large-scale empowerment initiative launched by the Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa-led administration, focusing on broiler production training as a pathway to self-employment and economic independence.
The programme, jointly organised by the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, reflects the government’s renewed drive to tackle unemployment and reposition agriculture as a tool for sustainable growth.
The maiden edition of the training took place at OSAEC, Isuada, in Owo Local Government Area, attracting participants from various local councils within the Ondo North Senatorial District.
According to Mr. Bright Eniafe, who represented the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Mr. Orioye Gbayisemore, the programme will run across all three senatorial districts, with each training session lasting six weeks.
“This is the first of its kind in Ondo State, and we appreciate Mr. Governor for bringing such ease to our youths. This project is designed to make young people self-employable and prosperous,” Eniafe stated.
He explained that the initiative has been fully funded by the government, covering the cost of feeds, medical supplies and veterinary services, while providing access to farm facilities for hands-on training.
“This is not a loan scheme. The government has paid in full for everything. The youths are only required to manage the process diligently, and in doing so, they earn from their efforts,” he added.
Eniafe further hinted that the number of beneficiaries could exceed 100,000 youths, as the scheme expands to reach more communities across the state.
The Director of Livestock Production at OSAEC, Mr. James Akinbuwa, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the initiative, describing it as a visionary and sustainable step towards youth empowerment and agribusiness development.
“The best job is one where you are trained in your own vocation. Broiler production is a profitable business that can transform lives within six weeks if done properly,” he said, urging more young people to seize the opportunity.
Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Adebayo Agboola, said the project is a strategic intervention designed to promote food security while reducing unemployment.
“The idea is to train youths and women in the art of broiler rearing for six weeks. They will rear the birds and the profits from sales will be theirs. With successive production cycles, participants can eventually establish their own farms and employ others,” he explained.
He noted that the programme would be monitored through Key Performance Indicators, including the number of trained participants, productivity levels and the rate at which beneficiaries establish independent poultry ventures.
The training session, facilitated by Mr. Jimoh Agunbiade, an expert in livestock management, covered vital areas such as pen management, vaccination, record keeping and biosecurity for healthy bird growth and profitability.
Participants expressed appreciation to the state government for the opportunity, promising to utilise the knowledge gained to become successful agripreneurs and contribute to job creation and economic growth in Ondo State.