News Investigators/ The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Niger Government, on Monday graduated 45 youths trained in agricultural equipment fabrication under the IFAD Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP-AF).
The ceremony, which held at the Minna Polo Field also marked the launch of the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP), with beneficiaries receiving equipment grants to promote climate-resilient farming
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, represented by his Deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said the initiative would boost rice and cassava value chains in nine LGAs, promote food security, reduce poverty, and empower women and youths.
He added that Niger was among two states piloting ASAP nationwide.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Markus Ogunbiyi, represented by Mohammed Abdulkadir, said the initiative was a milestone in equipping youths with practical skills to expand Nigeria’s mechanisation ecosystem.
National Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Dr Fatima Aliyu, said the scheme was transforming livelihoods by promoting youth entrepreneurship, women empowerment and access to markets.
The event ended with the presentation of starter packs to graduates and equipment to ASAP beneficiaries.
NAN