The Niger Delta Development Commission, has today promised to drum support to small-holder farmers in order to ensure operational growth while building it as training centres for youths, as part of its plans to promote youth employment.
This was disclosed in a statement made by the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, issued by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, during an inspection visit to some farms in Akwa Ibom State.
Antai, who was accompanied by the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mrs Winifred Madume, and the Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Dr Godwin Nosiri, expressed delight at the enthusiasm shown by young farmers in boosting food production.
Hear him, “The project HOPE’ initiative seeks to engage youths of the region by creating employment opportunities for them, especially in agriculture.
“The Niger Delta region because of the arable wetlands, rainfalls and other favourable ecological factors is in a better position to plant various crops and vegetables at least four times within a farming season.
“We are trying to move away from the oil economy and the sector which can accommodate our youths in large number is the agricultural sector.”
However, the resource person for ‘Project HOPE’, Blessing Fubara, noted that second phase of the youth empowerment programme would focus on commercial agriculture, information and communication technology, as well as assisting youths in the creative industry.
Also speaking at his farm in Ikot Ebom Itam in the Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the Chairman of the Commercial Farmers Association in the state, Aniebet Antia, points lack of capital as the major hindrance to commercial farming, as with proper funding, small-holder farmers would be well equipped to contribute substantially to nation food production to boost food security.