Prof Mohammad Jibril Mohammad, the Director Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano has tasked the beneficiaries of agricultural value chain training acquired at the centre to transform their fortune.
Professor Mohammad who gave the advice during the graduation ceremony of 1,400 young men and women after a two weeks skill acquisition in the fishery and aquatic production, poultry and Rice Value Chain production at Bayero University, Kano.
The centre for Dryland agriculture offered the training to 1,400 youths drawn from three states of Kano, Kaduna and Kogi, under Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Support (APPEALS), a World Bank-funded project on the agricultural value chain.
The director, who reminded the participants of rigorous process of screening and subsequent selection to take part in the capacity building, urged the grandaunts to justify the opportunity and knowledge afforded to create more jobs in their states.
Stressing the cardinal principles attached to the project, Professor Mohammad urged the beneficiaries to adhere strictly the guiding rules just as he reminded that funds that will be disbursed are intervention loan and not grants.
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APPEALS National Project Coordinator, Dr Aminu Babbandi said the World Bank Initiated project was targeted at complementing Federal government policy on commercial agriculture and its value chain. He noted that the project tied on a tripartite agreement between six state governments and Bayero University, Kano, aimed at empowering 10,000 participants.
Represented by a senior officer of the project, Dr. Salisu Garba, the National coordinator said World Bank is investing millions of dollars to improve livelihood, food security and job creation in the country.
“ The project is trying to widen the scoop of knowledge and opportunity for younger generation both men and women in Agric value chain, that will at the same time sustain commercial agricultural and growth in the country. Apart from the initial loans, participants are expected to develop a business plan that will be evaluated and approved and that will guarantee the expansion intervention of N2.5 million to build your business.
“ For other intervention, we want to advise participants to form a cluster group and register their business with relevant agencies, after which will expect the state government to provide space for business. At this point, APPEALS can still step in to offer assistance in terms of facilities and tools, that will enhance productivity and boost your businesses.
Participants include 217 from Kogi state, 310 from Kaduna while Kano has 260 beneficiaries, who specialized in Poultry, Fishery and Rice Value Chain Production.
