As part of its commitment to food security, economic empowerment and National Development, the NNPC Foundation – the corporate social responsibility arm of NNPC – has launched an agricultural training programme aimed at empowering vulnerable farmers in Akwa Ibom State.
The Managing Director of the Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, in her welcome address, said the NNPC Ltd Agricultural Training Initiative for Vulnerable Farmers is part of the foundation’s broader efforts to support government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance food security, increase productivity and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
Represented by the Executive Director of Programme Development and Coordinator, Dr. Bala David, Arukwe stressed that the programme developed for growth of vulnerable farmers would equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which is aimed at enhancing food security, increasing productivity, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
Her words: “Through this initiative, we will train 6,000 vulnerable farmers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in modern, climate-resilient farming techniques, soil and water management, organic fertilisation, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies. Our goal is to equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.”
Arukwe, who pointed out that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (2024), however, said many farmers remain trapped in subsistence production owing to limited access to modern techniques, quality inputs, and competitive markets.
“This training is designed to change that narrative. Together with our partners, government representatives, and stakeholders, we can revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and secure a food-sufficient and economically stable future for all,” she added.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, represented by her Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Atim Okoko, commended the NNPC Foundation for its commitment to food security.
She appealed to the foundation to extend the programme to other farmer groups, highlighting that the state has over 10,000 farmers.
“I want to express the appreciation of the Akwa Ibom State government to the NNPC for launching this laudable programme. Your programme has come at a time when our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is heavily supporting agriculture in the state. Under his ARISE Agenda, the first letter ‘A’ represents Agriculture,” Offor said.
On his part, the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Prince Bassey Inwang commended NNPC for the training.
