The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has concluded the training of 200 women and youths in Livestock Farming and Agro-Processing at the Okiemutie Farms in Eku Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the training and empowerment programme, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the NDDC Board and Management realised the importance of agriculture as a diverse and relevant sector to address unemployment and poverty.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director, Agric and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, expressed delight that the programme was particularly inclusive of women, who constituted the majority in farming activities in most parts of the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku stressed: ?It is important that the graduating trainees use the opportunity of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to contribute to the development of the livestock sector in the region.

He enjoined the trainees to leverage on cooperative groups to further seek support or partnership with NDDC and agricultural financial institutions for the promotion and development of the livestock sector to improve protein sources to meet local needs and encourage export

He said further: ?Let me at this point stress the need for the graduating trainees to invest wisely on their chosen enterprises.

?The Commission as an interventionist agency shall continue to support and encourage agricultural empowerment programmes. I can assure you that NDDC shall change the narrative where agricultural programmes are implemented in a shoddy manner without the desired impact.?

The NDDC boss said that the Commission was in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, to provide apprenticeship programmes for residents of the Niger Delta region. In addition, he said, ?several agricultural programmes have been designed for implementation under the Holistic Opportunities Projects of Engagement, Project HOPE.

In his address, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, noted that during the participants received extensive theory and practical training in livestock husbandry practices related to Poultry, Piggery, Goatry, among others. In addition, trainees were exposed to processing activities in broilers and cassava

Antai, who was represented by a Director in Agric and Fisheries, Dr Olumide Epebinu, said that the curriculum for these multi-sectoral areas was designed so as to provide the needed skills required for developing their various enterprises

He declared: ?We are confident that the knowledge and skills gained by these trainees would translate into a boost in livestock production across the value chain in the Niger Delta region

He urged the graduating trainees to extend the knowledge and skills received to other residents in their localities

He also advised them to make judicious use of the empowerment support package disbursed to them, observing that it was advisable to start small and grow big.

He expressed appreciation to the management and staff of Okiemute Farms, the training centre; and Hauge Logistics Ltd., the Consultant, for facilitating a seamless training for the trainees

Earlier in a welcome address, the General operations Manager of Okiemutie Farms, Dr Benjamin Ubido, thanked the NDDC for the training of women and youth in livestock farming, describing it as ?a remarkable initiative that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in agriculture. This training is part of NDDC's commitment to promoting projects and programmes that drive food security and sustainable growth in the Niger Delta region.?

He said that the programme's focus on livestock farming and agro-processing was strategic, considering the region's potential for agricultural development, noting: ?By equipping women and youth with expertise in these areas, NDDC is fostering economic growth, improving food security, and reducing poverty.?

Ubido said that the training of women and youths aligns with the mandate to promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. By empowering beneficiaries with agricultural expertise, NDDC is investing in the region's future and contributing to Nigeria's economic growth.

The NDDC Director, Agric and Fisheries presented cheques of N500,000 to each of the graduating trainees.

?PHOTO: NDDC Director, Agric and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, presenting a dummy cheque of N500,000 to one of the trainees, Mr. Sunday Ojei, during the closing ceremony of the training and empowerment programme in livestock farming.First left is the NDDC Director, Delta State Office, Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, while a Director in Agric and Fisheries, Dr Olumide Epebinu is second right and the General Operations Manager of the Okiemutie Farm Ltd., Mr. Godwin Ubido, is third right.

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