More than Six hundred Nigerians have business start-up inputs from the International Fund for Agricultural Development Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise (IFAD LIFE) for the Niger Delta region.
In an address to beneficiaries, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Christopher Achong commended IFAD LIFE for targeting people at the grassroots for training end empowerment.
The agricultural inputs, which included Cassava Mobile Grinding Machines, Poultry Roasted/Seasoning Equipment and Table Fish Processing (Smoking Kiln), were distributed to the beneficiaries at the Technology Incubation Centre in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
According to Achong, the gesture was penetrative, humanistic and endearing, noting the project has made a positive impact and I must also commend the Cross River State Coordinating office for their groundswell disposition in discharging their duties and services.
Life changing opportunity
He urged the recipients to consider the inputs as a valuable life changing opportunity to cater to their needs and those of their families as well as keep the window open for future beneficiaries.
The representative stated, I have seen firsthand what they have done in their value chain of interest. So, extending this gesture to processing, production, and services is a step in the right direction to guarantee food security and sustainability.
“I do not doubt the abilities of these 650 beneficiaries you have trained following your standard and the programme model. They will not fail, and I am very certain they will deliver the same way others have been delivering,” he stated.
Also speaking at the distribution programme, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Godwin Otei noted that recent agricultural training and skills acquisition schemes were dynamic and strategically implemented to attract younger people.
He described the inputs given to the beneficiaries as facilities coming at the right time since we are now witnessing a generational shift in the mindset of most people. This is timely and very commendable.
Keep opportunity open
In her remark, the Manager of the Technology Incubation Centre, Dr. Agatha Effa urged the 650 beneficiaries to be firm, resolute, and dogged to deliver on their chosen value chain saying, this is one project that not only prepares you, but comes with start-up packs. It will be unfair for anyone to abuse, truncate and deny others the opportunity of tapping from this wealth. So, I am encouraging you to make proper use of the equipment to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind.
The State Project Coordinator, Mr. Innocent Ogbin stated that the project was designed for youths, female-headed households and people living with disabilities from 10 local government areas in Cross River and advised them to utilize the equipment wisely.
Responding on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Raymond Alfred said, I have reason to celebrate this life-changing opportunity. I have always been neglected because most people think that we (Persons Living with Disabilities) cannot do anything meaningful in our condition. But, today I now have this machine to sustain my livelihood. I am very grateful to God, and appreciate all those, who put up this project and made it work.
