NDDC Trains Over 200 Niger Delta Women, Youth In Livestock Farming, Agro-Processing

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has successfully trained over 200 women and youths in livestock farming and agro-processing at Okiemutie Farms in Eku Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State.

Dr Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, stated at the training and empowerment programme’s closing ceremony that the Commission’s Board and Management recognised agriculture’s importance as a diverse and relevant sector for addressing unemployment and poverty.

Ogbuku, who was represented by NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, expressed delight that the programme was especially inclusive of women, who make up the majority of farming activities in most parts of the Niger Delta region.

According to a statement signed by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, on Friday, Ogbuku emphasised that “it is important that the graduating trainees use the opportunity of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to contribute to the development of the livestock sector in the region.”

He encouraged trainees to use cooperative groups to seek additional support or collaboration with NDDC and agricultural financial institutions for the promotion and development of the livestock sector to improve protein sources to meet local needs and encourage exports.

He went on to say, “Let me stress the importance of graduating trainees making wise investments in their chosen businesses.

“The Commission, as an interventionist agency, will continue to support and promote agricultural empowerment programs. I can assure you that NDDC will change the narrative in which agricultural programs are implemented haphazardly and fail to achieve the desired results.”

The NDDC CEO stated that the Commission was collaborating with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to provide apprenticeship programs for Niger Delta residents.

In addition, he stated that “several agricultural programmes have been designed for implementation under the Holistic Opportunities Projects of Engagement, Project HOPE.”

Sir Victor Antai, NDDC Executive Director, Projects, stated in his address that the participants received extensive theoretical and practical training in livestock husbandry practices related to poultry, piggery, and goatry, among others. Additionally, trainees were exposed to processing activities in broilers and cassava.

Earlier, Dr. Benjamin Ubido, General Operations Manager of Okiemutie Farms, thanked the NDDC for training women and youth in livestock farming and described it as “a remarkable initiative that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in agriculture.”