General News
THE Federal Government in collaboration with the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) has trained and empowered no fewer than 250 smallholder farmers in Ogun State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training and empowerment programme facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in conjunction with the NPRGS, was aimed at alleviating poverty among Nigerians.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Temitope Fadeshemi, said the gesture was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle poverty and boost food security in the country.
Fadeshemi said this at the opening programme of the verified and validated beneficiaries of the
NPRGS on Thursday in Abeokuta.
He was represented at the event by the Ogun Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food Security, Mrs Patience Ayo-Ayayi.
Fadeshemi noted that the programme had been replicated to other farmers across the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the level of poverty in the country was alarming stressing that an estimated population of 88.4 million people Nigerians were living in extreme poverty.
He noted that the Federal Government was making conscious efforts to address the situation through various initiatives.
“Through this initiative like today’s training and empowerment programme, we are sowing the seeds of positive change, ensuring that smallholder farmers have the knowledge, resources and support needed to thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
“This programme is not merely an investment in agriculture; it is an investment in the future of our nation.
“As we equip these farmers with the tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practices, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
“These farmers are not just the backbone of our agricultural sector; they are the heartbeat of our nation’s prosperity,” he said.
Fadeshemi, however, admonished the participating farmers to prioritise their roles in shaping the trajectory of the nation’s agricultural success with the empowerment.
“Your role is paramount in shaping the trajectory of our nation’s agricultural success.
“As you undergo this training and empowerment journey, absorb the knowledge, hone your skills, and apply the insights gained to elevate your farms and communities.
“Your success is intertwined with the prosperity of our nation, and together, we shall create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of our beloved country, transform challenges into opportunities, and empower our agricultural sector to lead the way towards a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, the Ogun commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, commended the Federal Government and the NPRGS for the programme aimed at ensuring food security.
Owotomo said the empowerment support would boost agriculture and further complement the effort of state government in increasing food production and security.
He however, appealed to the farmers to utilise and make use of the inputs given to them judiciously to boost food production.
This, he said, would encourage government to continue its support to farmers.
Mrs Victoria Shobade, the Programme Manager, Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme( OGADEP), said that the beneficiaries were crop and livestock farmers.
Shobade said crop farmers would be empowered with improved seedlings such as rice, tomatoes, pepper and okro with agrochemicals and knapsack sprayers.
She added that poultry farmer would be supported with 25 day-old chicks and one bag of feed, while the fish farmers wouod be empowered with two bags of feeds.
Mrs Morounranti Ogundipe and Mr Taiwo Abraham who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries appreciated the federal and state governments for the support.
They added that the support would improve their productivity, increase their income and as well boost food production. (NAN)
8th February, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS
