Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to collaborate with Agricultural Institutions in the State in order to expose the youths to practical approach of farming and encourage self-employment.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Mr. Oyewole Oyewumi stated this at the weekend during the Graduation Ceremony of Oluponna Fish Farming and Resources Foundation, Iwo, Osun State.
Mr. Oyewumi said that there is need to empower the youths through capacity building and the provision of a platform for the acquisition of vocational skills so as to be self-sufficient.
The commissioner explained that both the State and Federal Governments are determined to improve the living standard of the citizenry through the on-going Federal Government Anchor Borrower’s Programme, saying that the Oyo State Agriculture Initiative (OYSAI) tagged AgricOyo will reduce unemployment among the citizenry.
“The State Government under the leadership of Senator Abiola Ajimobi launched the Oyo State Agricultural Initiative OYSAI, tagged “AgricOYO’ which is geared towards creating employment for up to one million Youths. In Year 2016, the State recorded a boost in cassava, rice and maize Production and efforts are in top gear to perform better in 2017 planting season” he added.
Mr. Oyewumi, however commended the foundation for complimenting the effort of the government through its laudable programmes, noting that the state government will look into ways of contributing to the development of the centre.
He enjoined the management of the foundation to carry out sensitization programme to inform the public on the existence of the centre and its benefits.
In his lecture, the Head of Development, Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Professor, Jacob Babayemi emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to operate in line with the rules of the business in order to succeed.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Star Ultra Deep Petroleum Limited, Jeff Ewing represented by Mr. Micheal Kabi said the organization is committed to create opportunities for young people in farming and improve the lives of Nigerians as a whole.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Rector, OFFER Centre Institute of Agriculture, Rev. Fr Macarius Olatunji said the institution was established to add value to both under graduates and graduates who have passion for Agricultural business.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Mr. Famoofo Damilola and Olagbaiye Seyi described the training as a platform to thrive in agricultural business, noting that the knowledge acquired will be used to empower others.
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