FIC REPORT (IMO STATE) – The Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) has flagged off the second batch of its five-year Songhai Agricultural Training Programme, sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation as part of efforts to equip young people with modern agricultural skills and promote sustainable food production.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director Rt. Hon. Barr. Anthony Emeka Nduka who was represented by the Executive Director Agric Services Barr. Noble Ojigwe, commended the Mastercard Foundation for supporting the training initiative and investing in the development of youths through agriculture.
He noted that exposing these young people to modern farming techniques would not only improve their capacity to become productive and self-reliant but would also strengthen efforts towards achieving food security.
The Managing Director stated that the growing impact of climate change has adversely affected the environment and agricultural activities stressing need for the adoption farm practices that are adaptable and environmentally sustainable.
He noted that the Songhai integrated model of farming will provide the trainees with practical knowledge and techniques that can help address some of the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring food security.
He urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously and charged them to demonstrate discipline, commitment and hard work throughout the programme in order to derive maximum benefit from the training.
The ceremony had in attendance the Public Relations Officer, Dr. Chidi Amaliri, Head of Department, Agric, Mr. O’Brien Akudu as well as staff of the Authority and Songhai.
Chika Anurunwa
ACIPRO/ANIPR
3/9/2026
