Enugu Famers Community is thrown into joy as Songhai Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture, empowered a cohort of young farmers trained in the region. The initiative was celebrated at a ceremony where the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, congratulated the newly empowered farmers.
The young farmers received specialized seeds, seedlings, and equipment based on their areas of expertise. Those engaged in piggery were provided with wheelbarrows and drums, while garri processors received basins and wheelbarrows. Farmers focusing on crop cultivation were given pineapple, pawpaw, cabbage seedlings, and cassava stems for planting.
Commissioner Ubru underscored the vital role of farmers in feeding the population and praised His Excellency for his visionary goal of making Enugu the agricultural hub of Nigeria. He announced that the training program would continue to expand, with plans to empower more youths by August.
“Young farmers are the backbone of our agricultural vision,” said Ubru. “Their success is essential to our mission of achieving food security and economic growth in Enugu. We thank His Excellency for his unwavering support and vision.”
Youth support for Governor Peter Mbah's agricultural agenda was also highlighted, with plans to introduce power tillers in areas inaccessible to tractors. Additionally, the Ministry has received over 12,000 bags of inorganic fertilizers, with organic fertilizers expected soon, further strengthening the agricultural sector.
Dr. Joseph Nwatu, an investor who attended the event, praised the initiative and urged broader support for the Governor’s agricultural policies. He emphasized that agriculture could be a solution to the country's insecurity issues and encouraged increased youth participation in the sector.
A significant announcement was the memorandum of understanding with Mr. Emeka Chukwu to expand 2,000 hectares of farmland for maize, soyabeans, oil palm, and cassava cultivation. This expansion is designed to support the ultra-modern feed processing mill and poultry farm approved by Governor Mbah, creating numerous employment opportunities for youths.
“Achieving success in agriculture will lead to sectoral improvements and enhanced food security, addressing the root causes of insecurity,” added Ubru.
The empowered young farmers, including Stella Nnenna Ozor, Amuche Alis, Ifebuche Cynthia, Onah Ijeoma Rebecca, Ngeneoke Cynthia, Adannma Jennifer Okezie, and Chinasa, expressed their gratitude. They prayed for the Commissioner and the Governor, wishing continued blessings on their efforts to improve the lives of Enugu’s residents.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Victor Ngwu commended the Commissioner’s dedication to agriculture, highlighting the positive outcomes from his relentless efforts.
Mr. Romanus Eze, President of the All Farmers Association (AFAN), also praised the partnership between the Ministry and Songhai Mastercard, acknowledging the initiative’s significant impact.
Kenneth Eze, President of the Enugu State Young Farmers Association (ENSYFA), thanked the Governor, the Commissioner, and the investors for their support. He emphasized that the event demonstrated the Governor's commitment to empowering young farmers and affirmed that youths are indeed the leaders of today.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Enugu’s agricultural development, promising a brighter future for the region’s young farmers and the overall community.
