NDDC trains N’Delta women, youths in livestock farming

The Niger Delta Development Commission says it remains dedicated to promoting agriculture and ensuring food security across the Niger Delta region, following the flag-off of a youth and women empowerment programme.

In a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC pledged support as it kicked off the training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock farming and agro-processing in Amukpe, Delta State.

The Delta State representative on the NDDC board, Monday Igbuya, tied the youth and women empowerment programme with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the statement.

Igbuya said, “The NDDC, as an interventionist agency, is committed to promoting initiatives that will enhance food security and agricultural growth. This focus on developing manpower in the agricultural sector is essential for the socio-economic development of the region.”

He encouraged the Niger Delta state governments to follow the NDDC’s lead in improving the lives of the people, pointing out that empowering citizens through agriculture could help reduce unrest in the area.

The NDDC representative also urged participants of the empowerment programme to make the most of the training and use the starter packs they will receive to invest in agriculture.

The NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Winifred Madume, shared the same sentiments, as she noted that livestock farming plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.

Madume urged participants to apply what they learned during the training to transform the agricultural sector in the region.

The consultant for the project, Dr Simon Akhaine, disclosed that 200 women and youths would be trained in livestock and other agro-businesses.

Akhaine praised the NDDC for its efforts and assured that participants would receive starter packs to help them become self-reliant and boost food security in the Niger Delta.

The General Operations Manager of Okeimute Farms, Godwin Ubido, hailed the programme’s training venue for having and called on the government to rehabilitate the road leading to the farm to improve access and support future development initiatives.