By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development Assisted Value Chain Development Programme has launched a three-week capacity-building programme for youth farmers in Kogi State.
The training, organised by the Kogi State VCDP in partnership with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology in Lokoja, is designed to equip participants with skills in agricultural equipment fabrication and maintenance.
The initiative focuses specifically on strengthening the cassava and rice value chains, which are among the state’s most important agricultural commodities.
A total of 20 youth farmers drawn from selected local government areas are participating in the programme.
The beneficiaries were selected from Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Ibaji, Lokoja and Olamaboro local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held at the NKFI training facility in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah, described the programme as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and food security.
Ojomah noted that the participants were representing not only themselves but also their communities, local governments and the entire state.
He said the initiative aligns with the development vision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which prioritises youth empowerment, agricultural mechanisation and sustainable food production.
The commissioner encouraged the trainees to take the programme seriously and apply the skills acquired for personal growth and community development.
He assured them of the state government’s continued support in creating opportunities that enhance livelihoods and promote agricultural productivity.
Ojomah also commended the Kogi VCDP project coordinator, Stella Adejoh, and her team for what he described as the consistent and impactful implementation of IFAD-supported programmes in the state.
According to him, the interventions have significantly improved farmers’ income levels and strengthened food security across several communities.
In her remarks, Adejoh explained that the training is aimed at empowering youths with practical and market-relevant skills.
She said participants would be trained to fabricate and maintain simple farm tools needed across the cassava and rice value chains.
Adejoh disclosed that the programme represents the second phase of the agricultural equipment fabrication training in the state.
She added that beyond personal benefits, the trainees are expected to transfer the knowledge gained to farmer groups and clusters within their communities.
According to her, cascading the training will reduce production challenges, lower costs for farmers and improve efficiency across value chains.
Adejoh praised Governor Ododo for his strong commitment to agricultural development, particularly his prompt payment of counterpart funds required for IFAD-supported projects.
She said the timely funding has enabled the programme to achieve measurable impact among smallholder farmers.
The project coordinator further revealed that beneficiaries would receive starter packs at the end of the training to support outreach and community-level engagement.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Agriculture Development Programme, Bello Georhe Ogirima, highlighted the importance of mechanisation in modern agriculture.
He stressed that access to locally fabricated equipment would significantly improve productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
Ogirima commended the state government for prioritising agriculture and investing in programmes that directly benefit farmers.
He urged sustained collaboration among government agencies, training institutes and development partners to strengthen food systems in the state.
The Rector of the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology, Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, described the partnership between NKFI and Kogi VCDP as a major gain for the state.
Represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Omada Enejo, the rector assured participants of high-quality training delivered by experienced instructors.
He explained that the programme would cover fabrication of farm equipment, welding techniques and essential maintenance practices.
Participants, including Sefiat Yusuf from Ajaokuta and Lewis Oguche from Ibaji, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and IFAD-VCDP for the opportunity.
They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to support farmers and contribute meaningfully to agricultural development in their communities.
The initiative is expected to strengthen youth participation in agriculture, promote local equipment production and support Kogi State’s drive toward sustainable food security.
