To encourage dry-season farming and horticultural value chain for youth and women in the Kwara Central senatorial district, the lawmaker representing the area in the National Assembly, Senator Saliu Mustapha, has flagged off a multi-million naira capacity-building and empowerment workshop.
The training, which was kicked-off earlier on Thursday at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Basin, Ilorin, was conducted by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in collaboration with Gemstone Integrated Farm Nigeria Limited.
Speaking while flagging off the programme, Senator Mustapha, who was represented by his legislative aide, Tunde Abdulkadir, explained that the participants, who were drawn from the four local governments that make up Kwara Central district, would be equipped not only with technical skills in dry season farming but also with practical knowledge of the horticultural value chain.
He assured the participants that, beyond the training, they would be empowered with the necessary tools and resources to put their new skills into practice.
Senator Mustapha expressed optimism that the training would empower beneficiaries to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to Kwara’s agricultural economy.
The lawmaker urged the participants to take the training seriously, noting that it would provide them with valuable skills to improve their farming practices and enhance their livelihoods.
Also speaking, the NIHORT representative, Dr. Joel Akindele Akinfasoye, described the programme as a rare opportunity, noting that the training would have cost each beneficiary hundreds of thousands.
Dr. Joel commended Senator Saliu Mustapha for always prioritizing empowerment of his constituents, urging him not to relent in the efforts he started even before assuming office.
The NIHORT representative urged the participants to value the training and make good use of the knowledge acquired.
While expressing her gratitude, a participant from Asa local government area, Abdulrasaq Fatimah, praised Senator Mustapha’s effort in supporting local agriculture and enhancing economic empowerment in the community.
She noted that the skills and resources she will acquire during this training would enable her to become self-employed and create new sources of income.
Another participant from Ilorin South, Aduagaba Faruq Olaitan, noted on the first day of the training that he had gained insights into best practices for dry season farming, effective horticulture techniques, and strategies for maximizing yield and profitability.
He prayed to God Almighty to grant the Senator continued wisdom and success as he continues to serve the people of Kwara Central effectively.