The Niger State Government has taken significant steps to advance agriculture by empowering 70 youths trained in soilless farming and modern agricultural techniques at the Soilless Farm Lab in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
This initiative follows a three-month training program, part of a broader effort that has benefitted 500 youths within a year.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo, shared the development on X, noting that this program is championed by the Special Adviser on Social Investment Program (SIP), Hauwa Bako Mohammed, to support agricultural development in the state.
As part of the project, Ebbo, alongside SIP project manager Malam Shaba Umar, has equipped the trainees with a designated plot of land (100ft by 100ft), over a thousand sacks for nutrient-rich soil, a water source, and initial funds covering the entire process from seed purchase to production. This pilot scheme is designed to prepare the trainees for independent farming ventures.
Following this phase, the trainees will be introduced to the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Niger Foods, and Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to secure further funding and career support in agriculture.
Ebbo expressed optimism that this initiative will pave the way for youth empowerment in Niger State, creating economic opportunities and reducing unemployment by encouraging a new generation of skilled farmers who will, in turn, train others.