The Abia State government has launched a transformative initiative aimed at empowering its youth through agriculture, with no fewer than 300 young participants embarking on a two-week training program in modern farming practices at CSS Global Integrated Farms in Nasarawa State.
Fully funded by the state government, the program seeks to equip participants with essential skills in mechanized farming and the entire agricultural value chain.
Announcing the commencement of the training, the Abia government confirmed that the beneficiaries had arrived at CSS Global Integrated Farms following a thorough selection process from ward to state levels.
Addressing the youths before their departure, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, emphasized the seriousness of the program, urging them to approach it as an opportunity for skill acquisition and economic empowerment rather than a recreational endeavor.
“This initiative aligns with Governor Otti’s vision of fostering sustainable agriculture and economic independence among our youth,” Ajagba stated. “It’s a golden opportunity that many Abians would have cherished, and you are the pioneers. Make the most of it.”
Ajagba underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the trained farmers beyond the training period, noting that the state would purchase their produce to stimulate production and ensure profitability. He also outlined plans to provide grants, farm implements, and ongoing support to enable the participants to apply their newfound knowledge effectively.
Prior to the training, the government had organized a preparatory capacity-building seminar for the selected candidates, setting the stage for their intensive training at CSS Global Integrated Farms.
The founder of the facility, Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, contributed insights on ‘Agricultural Development and Food Security – the Path to Human and Capital Resources Development,’ highlighting the broader impact of such initiatives on community welfare and economic growth.
However, the program is expected not only to empower the youth of Abia State but also to foster sustainable agricultural practices and contribute significantly to food security in the region. As the participants immerse themselves in the training, they are poised to become ambassadors of agricultural innovation and drivers of economic prosperity in their communities upon their return.
