From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development–Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP), has launched a three-week fabrication skills training for youths in Kogi State, aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and youth employment.The programme, which kicked off on Tuesday at the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI) in Lokoja, is designed to equip 20 youth farmers with practical skills in fabricating and maintaining agricultural equipment for cassava and rice value chains.
Organised by the Kogi State VCDP in collaboration with NKFI, the training targets young people selected from five local government areas—Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Ibaji, Lokoja, and Olamaboro—under the programme’s second phase of fabrication capacity building.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, congratulated the participants on their selection, describing them as ambassadors of their communities and the state.“You represent not just yourselves, but your local governments and Kogi State. To whom much is given, much is expected,” Ojomah said. He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmed Ododo’s vision to empower youths, promote mechanisation, and boost food security across the state.
The commissioner commended the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of IFAD-VCDP, Dr. Stella Adejoh, and her team for the programme’s impact on farmers’ livelihoods. He assured beneficiaries of the Ododo administration’s continued support to ensure sustainable income generation.In her remarks, Dr. Adejoh said the training was designed to empower youths with employable skills while addressing gaps in access to simple, locally fabricated farm tools. She explained that participants would be trained in welding and fabrication of basic agricultural equipment relevant to cassava and rice production.
She added that beneficiaries would receive starter packs at the end of the programme to enable them to support farmers within their communities and sustain their livelihoods. Dr. Adejoh also praised Governor Ododo for the prompt payment of counterpart funds, which she said has enabled IFAD-VCDP to deliver measurable results in Kogi State.The Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Dr. Bello George Ogirima, highlighted the importance of mechanisation in modern agriculture. He applauded the state government’s investments in agriculture and its consistent support for farmers and youth-focused initiatives.
Also speaking, the Rector of NKFI, Dr. Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, described the partnership between NKFI and Kogi VCDP as a significant boost for technical capacity development in the state. Represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Mr. Omada Eneojo, the rector assured participants of quality, hands-on training.He urged the trainees to fully engage with the programme, noting that the skills acquired would position them as service providers within the agricultural sector and contributors to food security and rural development in Kogi State.
