In a momentous effort to combat food scarcity in Nigeria and provide employment opportunities, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has successfully trained 120 farmers across Ogun, Kogi, and Oyo states.
Specifically, the ministry focused on training 120 young individuals in poultry farming, with the aim of equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful small-scale poultry farmers.
The comprehensive training program emphasized the significance of broiler production as a sustainable source of regular income for the trainees.
Furthermore, the training initiative was inclusive, ensuring the active participation of women farmers from all three states—Ogun, Kogi, and Oyo.
During the training session held in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to achieve food self-sufficiency.
Representing Dr. Umakhihe, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, the South West Regional Director, expressed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to promoting policies that will make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production.
Dr. Umakhihe underscored the objective of the training program, stating that it aimed to expose smallholder farmers to the economic potential of broiler production as a commercially viable venture for sustainable livelihoods.
He also highlighted that the training sessions in Abeokuta were catered to the participants from Ogun and Oyo states, while their counterparts from Kogi received training in Lokoja.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, a Director in the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, encouraged them to seize the opportunities presented by small-scale poultry production.
Dr. Lordbanjou emphasized the profitability of broiler production, highlighting its potential to provide a steady income stream for farmers.
As part of the training program, each of the 120 farmers received day-old chicks and necessary feeds to raise them, ensuring they are well-equipped to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
These efforts come at an opportune time, as the festive season approaches, and the demand for poultry products rises.
