Determined to ensure food and nutritional security of the people of Niger Delta and Nigerians in general, no fewer than 90 youths were recently trained in fish farming, poultry and livestock production at Igarra in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking at the training programme, the Executive Director, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Dr. Atanda Lawal, noted that integrating vegetable, fish and poultry farming system, especially in close system has the potential to contribute to food and nutritional security, improve livelihoods of small holder farmers as well as employment opportunities.
Lawal, represented by Director of Research of NIHORT, Dr. Olagorite Atanda, said that integration of the culture provides an avenue to utilise resources efficiently because droppings derived from poultry farming might be used as organic fertiliser for vegetable production and pond fertilisation.
He said the training was aimed at building capacity for the trainers, upgrading and enhancing their knowledge in modern fishing and farming technology.
Lawal said: “We want to upgrade their knowledge. We want to enhance their knowledge in modern technology in fish farming. We have to let them know efficient and effective ways of producing fish and livestock. In doing this, it will increase their income and bring food security to the area and Nigeria at large.”
One of the trainers, Coordinator, Horti-consultancy services, NIHORT, Dr. Joel Akinfasoye, emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace agriculture, as it has the capacity to employ 70 per cent of the populace if given the proper attention.
Akinfasoye disclosed that no fewer than 150 persons were trained in December last year under the same programme, adding that if agriculture is not given priority attention, there will be hunger in the country.
“If we hold agriculture by the bull, we will not go hungry in this country, as it will provide employment for not less than 70 per cent of the populace.
“The youth need to be empowered, the youth need to be trained so that they will be fully engaged in one activities or the other,” Lawal added.
The facilitator of the programme, a member of the House of Representatives for Akoko-Edo federal constituency, Mr. Peter Akpatson who was represented by Mr. Akerejola Joseph, remarked that what was given to them after the training in form of starter-kit is not for them to go home and use to acquire more wives but to be used judiciously.
One of the beneficiaries, Hope Ogaegbe promised to make use of the knowledge acquired during the training for the benefit of Niger Deltans and other Nigerians.
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