300 youths, women for Agri-prenuer scheme in Niger

In an effort at tackling unemployment in Niger state, the government is to train and empower youth and women in the state under its Agri-prenuer Empowerment Programme.

Three hundred youths and women across the state are to benefit in the scheme this year.

The project is a joint efforts of the state and federal governments under the National FADAMA “Support for Youth and Women Programme”.

The State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello kick started the scheme in Kontagora last weekend at the public presentation of starter-pack seed to 66 youths who were trained in agricultural enterprise.

Under the arrangement, youth and women are targeted to be given intensive training in agricultural enterprise of their choice with emphasis on crop farming especially in Rice and Sorghum.

Presenting the cheque of N100, 000 to each of the 66 beneficiaries under the first phase of the scheme, the governor urged them to ensure judicious use of the package as well as the skills acquired during the training for the development of agricultural sector and betterment of the society.

Represented by Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi, the governor said a comprehensive development programme is being packaged for implementation to tackle unemployment in the state especially among youth and women in fulfilment of his cardinal priority programme.

The state FADAMA Project Coordinator, Engineer Aliyu Usman Kutigi said the training which is in phases is being conducted in collaboration with Bako Ranch Limited Kontagora.

He said that another set of 100 women (youth) have been selected for similar training next month.