Daud Olatunji
In a significant move towards enhancing food security and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security recently conducted a comprehensive training and empowerment program for 120 poultry farmers hailing from the states of Kogi, Ogun, and Oyo.
The initiative primarily focused on bolstering broiler production as a means for farmers to secure a steady income.
The training program, which featured active participation from young individuals and women representing all senatorial districts within the three states, aimed to foster self-sufficiency in food production across Nigeria.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to this pivotal mission. Representing him was Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, the Southwest Regional Director.
Akeredolu emphasized the significance of exposing smallholders to the potential profitability of broiler production, transforming it into a viable commercial enterprise that can ensure long-term financial stability.
The program received a warm welcome from the participants, with Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, a Director in the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, encouraging the attendees to seize the opportunity presented by smallholder poultry production. The sector is renowned for its profitability and its capacity to provide a consistent income stream.
The training, which took place across two locations, specifically Abeokuta for Ogun and Oyo States and Lokoja for Kogi State, introduced participants to modern broiler production technologies. Each participant was equipped with day-old chicks and the necessary feeds to raise them, particularly targeting the upcoming festive season in December.
One of the participants, Bunmi Olatunde, expressed profound gratitude for the invaluable training and the support provided by the Ministry.
Olatunde articulated, “We are very grateful for this training, which has indeed exposed us further to the modern technologies of broiler production and also for the production support, which is targeted towards the festive season of December.”
Several dignitaries graced the event with their presence, offering words of encouragement to the participants. Among them were the State Coordinators of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Oyo, Ogun, and Kogi States, including Dr. Florence Kakulu, Dr. Funmi Ayo-Ajayi, and Mr. Shekamang Ayuba, Programme Manager of the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme, Mrs. Solape Awe, the Director of Extension at the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Rasaq, and Programme Manager of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Programme, Mr. George Bello.
This initiative not only underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering agricultural practices but also highlights the vital role that poultry farming can play in strengthening the agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers in these states.
As the participants return to their communities, they carry with them the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact on the poultry industry and the local economy.
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