From: Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi
The National Directorate of Unemployment (NDE) has commenced agricultural training for 600 unemployed youths in the 19 Northern States of Nigeria including Kebbi State under the Sustainable Agricultural Development training Scheme (SADTS).
Director General of the NDE, Dr. Nasiru Ladan, who kicked-off the training in Birnin-Kebbi, on Monday, stated that the trainees were selected from 19 northern states and the FCT and would be exposed to two weeks adaptive field training in crops and livestock production.
Represented by the Kebbi State Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Zogirima, Ladan noted that the Scheme is all about training farmers mentorship and linkages with development and money deposit banks and identifying off- takers within the locality to reduce the risk of produce glut in the market.
He said: ” Today we are witnessing the flag-off of the Sustainable Agricultural Development Training Scheme(SADTS) in 19 states and FCT. These benefitting states were carefully selected to pilot test this scheme across the six Geopolitical Zones of the country.
“In each of these States, thirty selected trainees are to be empowered with agriculture skills in which they have comparatives advantage”.
The NDE Director noted that the agency key- in into the agricultural programme because of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration policy on the sector which are capable to build nation’s economy and jobs creations.
“This Policy thrust of the Federal Government has opened opportunities for youths to embrace agriculture as a business,earn income as well as create mass employment.
“Its worthy of note that the current administration wants agriculture to be seen as a profitable business,a key to long- term economic growth and security,that allow adequate utilisation of the value chain approach for effectiveness”.
The NDE Director said that the Scheme would reduce commodity importation,conserved external reserve,provide adequate and dependable farm income.
While warning NDE staff against corruption, he said the agency has zero tolerance for graft ,would not entertain any indulgence from any staff stressed that hardworking and diligence will be greatly rewarded.