The member representing Burutu Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Julius Pond, has initiated the training programme involving 60 youths in the Federal Government Agricultural Scheme.
The training project, which was held at Teebilos Hotel, Ekpan, Warri in Delta state, was conducted in modern fish farming Techniques and it was in conjunction with a federal government agency, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority.
Its sole aim was to diversify the Nigerian economy, by training the youths to be self-reliant.
Speaking at the venue of the training programme, Mr. Amadi Ikechi, representing the Managing Director of NDBDA, said the programme which is part of the economic recovery plan, is aimed at putting food on the table as well as to engage the youths.
According to him, “Following President Buhari’s major agenda for agriculture, in pursuant of the economic development, diversification, and the economic recovery plans, you can see that there is a necessity to consciously place food on the table, particularly the Burutu people, and agriculture is just the only way to go.
“One major components of agriculture in the Niger Delta, particularly the Burutu constituency, is fish, and fish has a very major essential component such as protein and energy.
He added that the agency is ready to equip and to engage the youths meaningful by funding them after the training.
“Because Burutu people has a lifestyle of fishing, there wouldn’t have been a better farming tool to equip and engage them in their lifestyle that is consistent with their culture, that maintains their traditional way of life over the years, and Niger Delta Basin Development Authority is ready to sustain this and certify them after the whole process and with the necessary funding.”
Also speaking at the event, the Personal Assistant to Hon. Pondi, Comr. Victor Isereke who represented his boss, said the training is to give youths the opportunity to be self-employed.
“Hon. Pondi, representing me and you, made provision of training of youth of his constituency as it concerns agriculture, so that when opportunities arise, his constituency can as well key in.
“I urge all of you to do well to learn with this opportunity so that you can be your own boss, be self-employed and the necessary provision and support will be given to you as you strive to go into this training,” he added.
Comr. Isereke stated that mechanism have been put in place for successful participants to be registered into cooperative societies with funding.
The Vice Chairman of PDP Burutu, Hon. Lawson Ogei expressed sincere appreciation to Hon. Pondi for bringing youths oriented programme to better the lives of the Burutu people, which is a rare privilege as he rated him as one of the best people oriented legislator.
The resource persons from Michael Jacobs Consulting Limited, Dr. Richard, during the training session gave the course outline while Mr. Nosa Osunde, a consultant and practicing fish farmer and Madam Preye Ofunama, a lecturer in the Department of Fishery, Nigerian Maritime University, tutored the participants on the basis of modern fish farming techniques.
The training event was attended by the Burutu People’s Democratic Party, PDP family, ably represented by Hon. Lawson Ogei, Vice Chairman of the party; Hon. Clement Ereide, Secretary; Hon. Peremobowei Amakama, Youth Leader; Alaowei Cleric Esq., Treasurer; Chief Evans Etimigba, and Hon. Emmanuel Akpule.
By Enaibo Asiaye, Job sibebor
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