The Delta State Government has commenced a training program empowering no fewer than 1,000 youths across the state in commercial agribusiness.

Disclosed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka, during the opening of a three-day workshop in Ughelli on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the initiative aims to transition young people from subsistence farming into commercially viable agricultural enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner Arenyeka emphasised that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to diversifying the state’s economy away from oil dependency by empowering young people as self-reliant agribusiness owners.

 “The essence is to enable our youths to get involved in enterprises that can create jobs and stimulate local economies,” Arenyeka stated, noting that agriculture remains one of the largest employers of labour globally. 

He urged participants to capitalise on Delta’s fertile soil and favourable climate to cultivate high-value crops with minimal reliance on synthetic inputs.

The first phase of the program focuses on four export-value commodities: cocoa, coffee, cotton, and ginger. Facilitator and Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr George Oyefia, guided participants through practical demonstrations using mini tractors for mechanised land preparation and chaff cutters for livestock feed production. 

The state is distributing 10,000 cocoa seedlings, 100,000 cotton seedlings, 5,000 coffee seedlings, and 5,000 ginger seedlings to participants. 

Program resource person Israel Yusuf added that focusing on these four commodities targets high international demand to generate foreign exchange while curbing youth unemployment.

Source: NAN
Image Credit: Delta Mirror