About 65 Niger Delta Youths and women completed a two weeks intensive training in fish farming organized by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in Abuja on Friday.
The privileged Youths and women who were subjected to intensive training in the process of fish farming by highly trained resource persons promised to replicate what they learnt in their communities.
Addressing the dignitaries at the graduation ceremony on Friday, the group representative, Mr. Ofuyaekpone Charles Tuoyo appreciated the MNDA for the programme while assuring them that the Ministry’s efforts would not be in vain
Tuoyo delightfully explained how they were taken through the process of fish farming starting from the hatching process among other things while also stressing how they have realized the various ways money can be made from fish farming farming. The very eloquent class Representative revealed how they have all agreed among themselves to commence the business in other to contribute their quota in the socio-economic development of their various communities.
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA), Sen. Godswill Akpabio, CON, stated that the training and empowerment package given to them is not only for their individual benefits but for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, MNDA, Mr. Olusade Adesola said that the empowerment initiative is in line with the Governments drive to diversify the economy from substantial dependence on crude oil. The scheme according to him, would promote national food security, invest in people and equally generate employment for the good people of Niger Delta Region, adding that the training package was meant to provide the participants with skills in the assigned areas and also equip them with knowledge in entrepreneurship to enable them manage their business and finances in order to transform their business into successful enterprises.
Sen. Akpabio noted that the Empowerment and Community Development Programmes being organized by the Ministry are continuous to expand reach in the effort to ensure that no one is left behind. He, however, informed the beneficiaries that the officials of the Ministry will periodically monitor their progress to provide guidance, mentorship and ensure compliance in line with the objectives of the programme.
Speaking further, the Minister explained that the Ministry was actively involved in other forms of empowerment programmes aimed at encouraging the growth and development of micro and small businesses such as provision of tricycles and motorcycles to entrepreneurs and farmers to ease transportation of goods and services.
Other areas of empowerment according to him include provision of sewing machines and other accessories for fashion designers, equipping of ICT centres, hospitals, schools amongst others.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director Economic Empowerment, Mr. Ibrahim Akanya, stated that apart from farming, the Ministry went further to make sure that the trainees acquire knowledge in ICT and Entrepreneurship to enhance their businesses.
He referred to the beneficiaries as privileged group who were visited in the course of their training by the Hon. Minister of State, Sen. Omotayo Alasoadura and other management staff who gave them inspirational talks apart from the skills being acquired from the consultants.
Akanya also stated that a starter capital would be given to them and then enjoined participants to hold firmly to the knowledge and advice gotten during the training in order to be successful.
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