There was jubilation last week in Warri, Delta State as the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs empowered the Niger Delta youths who had undergone training in the field of Agriculture in Galilee, Israel and Songhai Farms, Port Novo, Benin Republic respectively with the bulk sum of N66 million.
The Ministry, in fulfilment of its promise to provide financial support to its graduands under the Skills Acquisition programme, presented a cheque of N750,000.00 each to the 88 graduands to enable them set up their respective farms in order to pursue a career in fishing and poultry farming respectively.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Minister, Elder Godsday Orubebe who was represented by his Special Assistant, Hon. Sam Osasa noted that the measure is to guarantee sustainable livelihood to the beneficiaries and add value to the human capital development efforts of youths in Nigeria and particularly the Niger Delta region in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
He reminded the beneficiaries that the money was given as an operational fund geared towards kick-starting the business of fishing and poultry which are the branches of agricultural business they opted for and not for pleasure seeking.
Orubebe disclosed to them that as they operate their business, the Ministry will still provide further entrepreneurial mentorship, guidance and assessments. The strategy will help wean the beneficiaries gradually towards self reliance and dependability. He admonished them that the Ministry will practically visit their farms periodically to evaluate the progress individually made them.
He also implored the beneficiaries to note that “as pioneer recipients, you are expected to make judicious application of the financial empowerment extended to you and justify government’s investment to ensure continuity and sustainability of the scheme”.
Contributing, the Director, Community and Youth Empowerment, Mrs. Godiya Yohanna explained that the training of youths of the region is a continuous exercise design to create employment for non-militant youths. The programme at the end will encourage them to be self sustainable and employers of labour. She assured that this year, the Ministry will train more youths in other fields which no doubt will be subject to availability of funds.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Anthony Alozie promised to reciprocate government’s gesture as the grant given to them will be adequately invested into their farming business. He eulogized the efforts of the Ministry in committing such a huge sum for their training as well as empowering them. He prayed that such empowerment will reduce restiveness amongst the Niger Delta youths.
No comments:
Post a Comment