Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Poised to mitigate shortfalls in poultry farming and business in the country, Dangote Cement Plc has commenced a poultry skill acquisition and empowerment program for youths.
The General Manager of Community Affairs/Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, stated that this exercise is part of the 2023 community empowerment scheme for the youth in the host communities of Kogi State.
He mentioned that the intervention will support the government in boosting poultry production and business. According to him, 30 youths drawn from the catchment areas have so far been enlisted in the program.
Mr. Adeyemi also noted that the beneficiary host communities are Oyo, Obajana, Iwaa, and Apata.
“The training is expected to have a positive impact on poultry production, processing, record-keeping, and the entrepreneurial skills of the beneficiaries,” he said.
He further mentioned that the Starter Packs, which include Point of Laying Hens, Battery Cages, Feeds, medication, and other working accessories, have been handed over to the beneficiaries at an occasion attended by key stakeholders.
He added that the College of Education (Technical), Kabba, is responsible for carrying out the training on behalf of Dangote Cement Plc.
The Provost of the College of Education (Technical), Kabba, Dr. Jagboro Victoria Olusola (Mrs.), appreciated the Management of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, for this initiative.
She emphasized that this effort is a clear demonstration of teaching people how to fish.
Earlier, the Deputy Provost of the College, Mr. Michael Odoma, who is in charge of the training, informed the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Mr. JV Gungune, that the trainees had undergone two and a half months of classroom training sessions, during which all aspects of poultry production, processing, bookkeeping, accounting, entrepreneurial skills, etc., had been taught.
He added that the classroom teachings had been complemented with practical field visits to notable poultry businesses in and around Kogi State.
The Plant Director urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate a high sense of commitment so they can succeed. He encouraged them to see the starter packs as a mango tree that needs to be nurtured to bear fruits year in and year out on a sustainable basis.
He advised them to be disciplined, prudent, and perseverant so that they can enjoy the maximum benefits of this initiative.
The Plant Director and the Provost later presented 30 starter packs to the participants.
