The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched a three-week skills training programme to strengthen youth participation in agriculture and improve food production in Kogi State.
The programme, implemented under the FGN/IFAD Assisted Value Chain Development Programme–Additional Financing (VCDP-AF), willtrain twentyyoung farmers in the fabrication and maintenance of agricultural equipment for the cassava and rice value chains.
The Kogi VCDP will deliver it in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), Lokoja.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, stated the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmed Ododo’s commitment to youth empowerment, mechanisation, and food security.
He noted that the selected participants represent their communities and must use the skills acquired to create a wider impact across the state.
Ojomah commended the State Project Coordinator, Dr Stella Adejoh, and the IFAD-VCDP team for improving livelihoods and strengthening agricultural productivity in Kogi State.
He assured beneficiaries of continued government support to enhance their economic prospects.
Dr Adejoh explained that the training focuses on equipping young people with practical fabrication skills, enabling them to produce and maintain simple farm tools needed by cassava and rice farmers.
She added that participants were drawn from five local government areas, Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Ibaji, Lokoja and Olamaboro, and would receive starter packs after the programme to support community-level outreach.
The Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Programme, Dr Bello Ogirima, highlighted mechanisation as critical to addressing labour gaps and improving productivity.
At the same time, the NKFI Rector, Dr Charles Williams, described the partnership as a strategic investment in the state’s agricultural future.
Source: Kogi Report
