Free Agricultural Training for Youth to Boost Food Security at Michael Okpara University

In a bid to tackle youth unemployment and promote food security, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, Nigeria, has recently announced plans to commence free training on agricultural business for youths.

The initiative is part of the activities marking the third anniversary of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe.

Dr. Philips Nto, Director of the Agricultural Business Incubation Centre, stated that the training aims to provide first-class capacity building and training in strategic areas of agribusiness enterprises.

This will enable the youth to be self-sufficient in food production and contribute to the overall food security in the region.

The training will involve the production of conventional confectionary from wheat and indigenous root/tuber crops, as well as chips, high-quality flours, and fufu flours, starches, and drinks from turmeric and sweet potatoes.

Additionally, trainees will learn to produce drinks, juices, local beers, dried fruits, and jam.

Dr. Nto, an experienced former Commissioner for Finance in Abia State, has called on youths from Abia and other neighboring states to take advantage of this free training opportunity.

After the initial free training for individuals, the Agricultural Business Incubation Centre will expand its scope to accommodate trainees from government and corporate organizations.

The establishment of the Agricultural Business Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University was made possible by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The Centre has already been providing various services to the Abia community, such as capacity building and training, to ensure food security in the region.

Prof. Iwe has been instrumental in releasing the take-off grant for the Centre and has provided unquantified assistance to ensure that it succeeds in its core mandate.

Dr. Nto has also commended Prof. Iwe for his unwavering support.

With this free agricultural training program, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture is taking a significant step towards empowering the youth and promoting food security in Abia and Nigeria as a whole.