FG, IFAD Equip Kogi Youths With Mechanisation Skills to Boost Food Security
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development–Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP), has launched a three-week mechanisation training programme for youths in Kogi State as part of efforts to strengthen food security and empower young farmers.
The programme, organised by the Kogi State VCDP in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), is designed to equip 20 youth farmers with practical skills in the fabrication, operation, and maintenance of agricultural equipment, with a focus on the cassava and rice value chains.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday at NKFI, Lokoja, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, congratulated the participants, describing their selection as a privilege and a responsibility.
According to him, the beneficiaries represent not only themselves but also their communities, local governments, and the entire state.
He urged them to maximise the opportunity, noting that the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Ahmed Ododo to empower youths, promote mechanised farming, and enhance food production in Kogi State.
Ojomah commended the State Project Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Dr Stella Adejoh, and her team for their impactful interventions, which he said have improved farmers’ livelihoods and strengthened food security across the state.
He assured participants of the state government’s continued support to ensure that the skills acquired translate into sustainable livelihoods.
In her remarks, Dr Adejoh said the training was aimed at empowering youths with technical skills that would enable them to fabricate simple farming tools for cassava and rice production, reduce drudgery, and improve productivity among smallholder farmers.
She explained that the programme is the second phase of the fabrication training, with participants drawn from five local government areas Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Ibaji, Lokoja, and Olamaboro. Dr Adejoh added that beneficiaries are expected to cascade the knowledge gained to their communities and farmer clusters to expand the programme’s impact.
“We expect participants to share these skills within their communities, making life easier for farmers and improving productivity,” she said, adding that each participant would receive a starter pack at the end of the training to support community outreach and service delivery.
Dr Adejoh also praised Governor Ahmed Ododo for his consistent support for the programme, particularly the prompt payment of counterpart funding, which she said has enabled IFAD-VCDP to achieve measurable results in the state.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Programme (Kogi ADP), Dr Bello George Ogirima, stressed the critical role of mechanisation in modern agriculture. He commended the state government for prioritising agriculture and investing in initiatives that support farmers and enhance food security.
The Rector of NKFI, Dr Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, described the partnership between NKFI and Kogi VCDP as a win-win for the state. Represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Mr Omada Eneojo, the Rector assured participants of quality, hands-on training, covering welding, fabrication of farm implements, and other relevant technical skills.
He urged the trainees to fully engage in the programme and take advantage of the expertise available at the institute, noting that the skills acquired would position them as agents of change in their communities.
The training is expected to contribute to increased mechanisation, youth employment, and sustainable food production in Kogi State.
