The Rivers State Government has officially flagged off the first batch of the School-To-Land Agri-Business Training Scheme, with a call on beneficiaries to approach the programme with seriousness and see agriculture as a profitable business rather than a last option.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the School-To-Land Authority in Rumodomaya, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Victor Kii, addressed participants and stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Kii urged the beneficiaries to fully commit themselves to the training, describing agriculture as a clear pathway to prosperity if properly embraced. “This programme is not a fallback plan. It is a business opportunity and a route to long-term success for those who are ready to work,” he said.
He explained that the School-To-Land Agri-Business Training Scheme reflects a renewed vision by the state government to reposition agriculture as a sustainable and attractive livelihood for young people. According to him, the initiative is targeted at reducing unemployment, increasing food production, diversifying the state’s economy, and grooming a new generation of agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Engr. Kii noted that the training structure is largely practical, with emphasis on hands-on activities rather than classroom theory. He said this approach was designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-life agricultural practice. “We are focusing on practical learning because that is what builds confidence, improves productivity, and opens opportunities across the agricultural value chain,” he stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is spearheaded nationwide by Senator Oluremi Tinubu and coordinated in Rivers State by Lady Valerie Fubara. He said beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Programme were integrated into the scheme to strengthen their technical capacity, address food insecurity, and promote long-term economic resilience in the state.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his leadership and consistent support for youth-focused programmes. According to Engr. Kii, the Governor’s administration understands the role of agriculture in driving economic growth, ensuring food security, and creating jobs. “The Governor’s commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural development is clear in the support given to this programme,” he said.
While congratulating the selected beneficiaries, Engr. Kii cautioned them against seeing the initiative as an avenue for handouts. He stressed that participation comes with responsibility and accountability. “Only those who show seriousness and dedication will qualify for further support,” he warned.
He also cautioned beneficiaries against selling empowerment items provided through the scheme, adding that ministry officials would carry out regular monitoring visits to track progress and compliance. He assured applicants who were not selected in the first batch that more batches would be rolled out, explaining that the programme is being implemented in phases to achieve wider reach and impact.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Kenneth Gbali, thanked the beneficiaries for their willingness to participate and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment. He said the government is deliberately shifting focus from physical infrastructure to building human capacity. “Developing people is the foundation for sustainable growth, and this training is part of that vision,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the Director of School-To-Land in Rivers State, Dr. Yinka Akinbami, thanked the Governor for reviving the programme and preventing it from going into extinction. He assured participants that the scheme has been restructured to deliver practical and valuable knowledge that would prepare them for success in agribusiness.
Dr. Akinbami later conducted the Commissioner for Agriculture, other commissioners, and key stakeholders on a tour of the School-To-Land facility and farm.
A major highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of training kits to beneficiaries drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The kits were presented by Engr. Victor Kii, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Barr. John Otamiri, former Commissioner for Special Duties in the Governor’s Office Engr. Basoene J. Benibo, and Dr. Gbali, in the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Maurice Ogolo, and other officials.
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