..As LIFE-ND graduates 218 incubatees
The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has reiterated its committment to the empowerment of the youths through agriculture.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, David Alagoa disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of 218 Incubatees organised by Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
According to him, Governor Diri has identified agriculture as the main stay of Bayelsa economy that is the reason the state government is investing in the sector, noting that it is one of the ways of empowering the youths.
He stated that the state government frowns at the attitude of youths who are idling about and called on them to involve themselves in meaningful ventures, adding that the state government is willing to work with serious minded youths who are ready to make contributions to better their lives.
Alagoa described the training programme as well thought-out and well-conceived and as one of the best youth programme, maintaining that after their graduation they will become incubators who will train others with a multiplier effect on their families and the state.
The Commissioner expressed satisfaction that the graduands have started their businesses thereby taking control of their lives and future and thanked all the other organizations for supporting the graduands with starters packs and facilities to establish their businesses.
He appreciated the communities that have donated land for the programme particularly Onopa and Ebedebiri communities and called on other communities to emulate them as the training programme is meant to benefit the youths of communities in the state.
He commended LIFE-ND for the selection process which is very key in the success of the programme as well as being gender sensitive, saying that “if you empower a woman you are indirectly empowering the society.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Engr. Abiodun Sanni said the project within a short period has demonstrated excellence and created a good number of brilliant young men and women that are determined to make the state proud and contribute to the economic growth of the state.
Sanni noted that as ambassadors of the programme they have been well equipped with the right capacity to support the state and drive the agricultural policy of the Bayelsa State in particular and the nation in general.
While thanking the Bayelsa State Government for creating the enabling environment for the project to thrive and
the payment of counterpart funding
as well as providing the necessary incentive for the project, Sanni also appreciated the Federal Government of Nigeria, IFAD and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for driving the project successfully.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Bayelsa State Project Coordinator, Dr. Panebi Ugo said the project is meant to improve the livelihood of the people of Niger Delta, pointing that the graduands have completed the period of mentorship fully equipped with the right skills in aqua culture, poultry, cassava and plaintain to establish their own businesses.
Speaking to newsmen, an awardee who emerged as the best incubator and the Manager of Biemo Intergrated Farms, Buodeigha Imomotongha said he was able to create a cordial relationship with the incubatees, adding he uptakes from them when the products are due for sale and also ensure that he sticks to the guidelines set by LIFE-ND.
While Forcebray Ayibatari, an incubatee from Aquaseas Company LTD who emerged as the best incubatee said she received the award because the national officer of LIFE-ND saw in her dedication, committment and her willingness to learn new things.
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