Nigerian Government commences 2nd batch training for agripreneurs

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), has commenced training of selected Civil Servants for the 2nd batch of the Agriprenuership Start-up Scheme for 2023.

Declaring the Programme open in Abuja, Nigeria, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari said the Scheme is in line with the present administration’s priority on Inclusivity, aimed at enhancing the value proposition of Civil Servants.

According to him, will also provide opportunity for serving Civil Servants to enjoy multiple streams of income through agriculture and its value chain, as permitted by the Constitution and the revised Public Service Rules while preparing prospective retirees for life after Service.

‘‘The programme is not merely a venture; it is a testament to our belief in the potential that lies within each individual regardless of their professional background,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary also noted that Agrepreneurship opens doors to new opportunities, harnessing the untapped potential in agriculture and entrepreneurship sectors that are vital for sustainable development and economic growth.

According to him, ninety-eight trainees from four Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies are presently participating in the programme.

Earlier, the Administrator, Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Dr. AbdulGaniyu Obatoyinbo noted that an entrepreneurship and commercial orientation is a must have for all Civil Servants.

He said holding on to a skill or vocation is an avenue for creating wealth.

”If you cannot create wealth, you will be poor,” he opined.

For his part, representative of the participants, Mr. John Esabu said there is no longer fear in retirement as the scheme will enable retirees cope with life after service, and boost their lifestyles as well as wellbeing.

The theoretical component of the training, which will run from 20th to 24th November, 2023, is being handled by PSIN, the Hands-on practical Training will hold at selected farms from 27th November to 8th December, 2023, while the Bank of Agriculture, will provide loans to beneficiaries of the scheme at the end of the training.