Capacity building in agriculture for 100 youths

The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, Oyo State, has trained 100 youths on different areas of agriculture in the state.

The training, in partnership with the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Kola Balogun, was designed for youths in the nine Local Council Areas of the Senatorial district.

Executive Director of IAR&T, Prof. Obatolu who organised the programme, said the training was timely in view of the clamour for the country to diversify into agriculture.

Prof. Obatolu who vouched for the institute’s expertise to boost agricultural production in southwest zone commended the Senator for giving back to his constituency.

She called on other political office holders to emulate the legislator and partner with IAR&T to train and empower more Nigerian youths as the institute has the capacity to train 500 youths in a month, while observing all COVID-19 protocols.

Prof. Obatolu urged the participants to take advantage of the empowerment programme to be employers of labour.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Balogun said the training and empowerment became necessary due to the high rate of unemployment among youths.

According to him, the programme will train the youths to acquire some skills in agriculture. “I am excited about this programme because when I think about the rate of unemployment among youths I get worried.”

The Senator said the next capacity building and empowerment in partnership with IAR&T would be much bigger as institute is responsible with good leadership.

The Deputy Director of IAR&T, Dr. Olaide Saka said the empowerment programme is very timely, he urged the participants to take advantage of the start-up to be wealth creators.

The Head of Agric Entrepreneurship Development centre, Prof. Olukemi Lawal, said the training is packaged with the best instructors to transform participants to leading players in the sector.