The Nigerian Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched a three-week mechanization skills training program aimed at equipping young farmers in Kogi State with practical skills to support food security and agricultural productivity.
The initiative is being implemented under the IFAD-Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korean Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI). It focuses on building participants’ capacity in the fabrication, operation, and maintenance of agricultural equipment used across cassava and rice value chains.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held on Wednesday at NKFI, Lokoja, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, congratulated the 20 selected participants, noting that they were drawn from five local government areas—Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Ibaji, Lokoja, and Olamaboro.
Ojomah said the program aligns with the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s vision to empower youths, strengthen agricultural mechanisation and improve food security across the state. He urged participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained for the benefit of their communities.
“You represent not just yourselves but your local governments and Kogi State. To whom much is given, much is expected,” the commissioner said, assuring beneficiaries of the state government’s continued support for youth-focused agricultural initiatives.
The State Project Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP in Kogi, Dr Stella Adejoh, described the training as a strategic intervention designed to empower young people with employable skills while addressing gaps in access to affordable farm equipment. She explained that the program would enable participants to fabricate simple farming tools for cassava and rice production, reducing farmers’ dependence on costly imported machinery.
According to Adejoh, the training is the second phase of the fabrication program under the VCDP and is expected to have a multiplier effect, as beneficiaries are encouraged to transfer the skills acquired to their communities and farmer clusters.
“We expect participants to cascade the training to other farmers, making farm operations easier and more efficient,” she said, adding that each beneficiary would receive a starter pack at the end of the program to support community outreach and service delivery.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Dr Bello George Ogirima, stressed the importance of mechanization in achieving sustainable agricultural growth and food security. He commended the state government for its continued investment in agriculture and support for farmer-focused initiatives.
The Rector of NKFI, Dr Charles Oluwatoyin Williams, represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Mr Omada Eneojo, described the partnership between NKFI and IFAD-VCDP as a win for Kogi State. He assured participants of high-quality, hands-on training covering welding, fabrication, and maintenance of farm equipment.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Sefiat Yusuf from Ajaokuta and Lewis Oguche from Ibaji, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Government and IFAD for the opportunity, pledging to apply the skills acquired to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity in their communities.
The program forms part of broader efforts by the Nigerian Government and its development partners to strengthen agricultural value chains, promote youth employment, and ensure sustainable food security across the country.
