FIC Report (Anambra State) – The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has distributed agro-produce processing equipment to youths and women cooperatives in Anambra.
The Anambra State Project Coordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, Mrs Deborah Onyefulu, presented the equipment valued at 310 million naira to 20 newly trained fabricators and cooperatives during the empowerment ceremony in Awka.
Onyefulu who appreciated the Anambra State Government for providing an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the programme said the distribution represented the second tranche of the programme’s empowerment initiative in the state which aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing livelihoods.
She explained that the start-up packs for the trained youths in welding and fabrication included standby generators, starter and welding machines.
Inaugurating the distribution, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Foster Ihejiofor, commended the VCDP for the intervention.
Ihejiofor noted that it aligned with the agricultural transformation agenda of the present state administration and that the processing equipment for garri, rice and vegetables would help reduce post-harvest losses and contribute to lowering food prices.
The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to apply their improved skills and modern equipment to boost productivity.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Rose Machi from Ayamelum LGA, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Anambra state government and pledged to make judicious use of the training and equipment.
Similarly, Mr Chinecherem Ibe from Orumba said the support would enable him not only to practice his acquired skills but to also train others in his community.
Signed
Ibeneme Maria Nkilimma
Sen Info and Pub Relations Officer
19/12/2025
