The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Joint Faith Peace Initiative, has flagged-off an agricultural scheme aimed at empowering at least 1000 citizens in each of the 36 States of the Federation.
The selected beneficiaries will receive fresh fish farming training and a start-up fund.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmud Abubarka, who flagged-off the exercise in Enugu, for the South-East zone, said the government was keen on diversification of resources.
Abubakar outlined the Federal Government’s several intervention schemes and policies, noting that the Ministry had also provided technical support to the Joint Faith Peace
Initiative.
He said the support led to the empowerment training for 523 beneficiaries in fish and poultry farming in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“A total of 283 beneficiaries were trained in fish farming and 243 in poultry; 183 beneficiaries from 523 trained had established micro and small Scale businesses through encouragement by the Joint Faith Peace Initiative.
“Also a total of 93 beneficiaries of the fish farming training and many in poultry production look forward to establishing their businesses with access to start-up funds,” he stated.
The Minister further assured that the government was committed to promoting the safety of agriculture and agribusiness investments in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe said the scheme was in line with the State government’s vision.
“This is a very wonderful idea because even His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State believes in training and empowering the mind, that’s why he has been training the youths.
“We have sent two batches of youths to Nasarawa State for training. We are doing this because Enugu State remains focused on being the food basket of the South-East.
“We want the rural areas to become the drivers of the economy through agricultural production.
“The majority of the people are living in the rural areas where agriculture is done, and their economy is 90 percent agriculture-driven.
“Fish farming becomes another very important segment of the non-oil economy, which Enugu State is pursuing vigorously,” he stated.
Earlier, the national coordinator, Joint Faith Peace Initiative, Obong Okon and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Enugu State, Rev. Emmanuel Ede, represented by Bishop Joseph Ajujungwa, the Director Interfaith,
said the group considered the approach of using agribusiness projects to further the course of fostering peaceful co-existence, economic growth and national unity among the populace.
