*To Enhance Employment, Entrepreneurship
*CSS Global Farms Plays Pivotal Role
Chairman of CSS Global Integrated Farms, Professor John-Kennedy Opara, has said that the Federal Government (FG) and the World Bank have reaffirmed their commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with practical skills to enhance employment and entrepreneurship.
He disclosed this yesterday in Gora, Nasarawa state, at the commencement of a six-month training programme under the IDEAS Project, being implemented by Federal Ministry of Education with support from World Bank.
Professor Opara, who was represented by the agro firm’s Training Manager, Victor Umunakwe, said the programme would combine theoretical lessons with practical sessions in crop production and animal husbandry, urging the trainees to be punctual, disciplined and committed.
He said the objective was not merely to award certificates, but equip participants with practical, employable and entrepreneurial skills to enable them secure jobs, establish businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.
Professor Opara explained further that the programme was also designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and practical skills required by employers.
In her remarks, the National Project Coordinator of IDEAS Project, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, represented by Mrs Susan Ekoja, said the initiative had recorded significant achievements in strengthening technical and vocational education and training in Nigeria.
She said the project had invested in infrastructure, equipment and human capacity development, about 4,000 technical teachers and instructors trained and approximately 80,000 Nigerians reached through various training service providers across the country.
Mrs Ogwu encouraged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously by attending training sessions regularly, asking questions, practising their skills and respecting their instructors and colleagues.
She reminded them that they were required to maintain at least 65 percent monthly attendance to qualify for a N30,000 stipend provided under the programme, stressing that regular attendance was essential to acquiring the required practical competence.
Also speaking, two of the training beneficiaries, Falaye Funmilola and Idris Adamu, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, saying the knowledge and skills acquired had helped them with requisite knowledge.
The CSS Global Integrated Farms has continued to play a pivotal role in the training of youths in Agro business, husbandry, and modern agricultural practices.
The farm has become a reference point in the country as far as Agric business is concerned, with the FG and World Bank in partnership to sustain the programme and make it a rewarding experience.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Prof Opara.
