The Federal Government has trained and empowered retired officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with entrepreneurship and agro-allied business skills to promote self-reliance, food security, and economic inclusion.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, disclosed this during the fifth edition of the Entrepreneurship Skills Development Programme on Agro-Allied Enterprises held in Abuja. The initiative targeted officers who retired from the ministry in 2024.

Ogunbiyi congratulated the retirees on their years of service and stated that the training reflects the government’s commitment to sustaining productivity and welfare even after active service.

“This programme is both a recognition and celebration of your service and an investment in your continued productivity and relevance beyond public service,” he said.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025), which aims to enhance staff welfare, capacity development, and post-service support. 

One of its pillars, he said, focuses on improving the value proposition of civil servants by equipping them with sustainable livelihood skills before and after retirement.

According to Ogunbiyi, agriculture presents boundless opportunities given the growing demand for food and agro-products in Nigeria and across Africa.

“These enterprises are not only profitable but also capable of creating jobs and supporting livelihoods within our communities. 

By engaging in agribusiness, our retirees can continue to contribute meaningfully to national development while achieving financial independence,” he added.

He further stated that the ministry remains committed to ensuring that staff view agriculture not only as a government responsibility but also as a viable business opportunity aligned with the Federal Government’s agenda for food security, economic diversification, and poverty reduction.

The fifth edition of the programme focused on viable agribusiness ventures in poultry, fishery, vegetable cultivation, and potato farming and processing, designed to help retirees start and manage their enterprises effectively.

Earlier, Mr Udo Effik, Director of Reform Coordination, Service Improvement, and Innovation, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is designed to achieve food sovereignty, job creation, and wealth generation.

Source: NAN

Image Credit: FMIN