FIC Report (Abia State) – 50 Youths and Women in Obuba, Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A, of Abia state are currently undergoing a Training on Noiler birds production, processing and marketing.
The Training is being carried out by the Federal Government through the Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, FMARD in collaboration with the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Darlington Nwokocha.
At the end of the Training, which is a constituency project of the Federal lawmaker, each beneficiary will get 50 pieces of day old Noiler birds; 2 (50kg) bags of Noiler feed; 1 sachet of Divertamin; 1 cage; drinkers and feeders.
Speaking during the Training and empowerment programme at Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu Mini Stadium, Mbato Secondary School, Umungalagu, Eziama Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar represented by the Abia State FMARD Director, Engr. Victor Ihediwa disclosed that Noiler birds are considered by poultry professionals to be affordable, enduring and easy to handle; and produce eggs more than the usual chickens that are native to Nigeria.
According to him, “Poultry enterprise has been identified as an agribusiness that is capable of alleviating poverty among rural Women and Youths. When a Youth or Woman is equipped with essential skills in poultry, he or she is capable of utilizing such skills to earn income, assist others and invest in the community”.
Speaking also, the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal constituency, Hon. Darlington Nwokocha represented by Hon. Sunny Maduako pointed out that the project was motivated by the need to address the huge unemployment challenges being faced by the constituents and to reduce the proliferation of crime due to lack of livelihood means.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to take the programme seriously as the poultry industry is a booming one, with households, diary companies, fast food operators among others are ready customers.
Moreover, he lauded the beneficiaries for being part of the large and lucrative industry, maintaining that the programme would not only address the issue of unemployment, but also help to build the human capacity of the Youths and Women so that they may in turn help build the capacity of others.
He made it clear that it is only through this linking of hands to build up one another, that the constituents could completely be self-sufficient and fully assist to develop Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal constituency.
The federal Lawmaker disclosed that the Trainees would be provided with stipends and allowances during the two day Training.
In his speech, the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Ikechi Mgboji represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Charles Agbara highlighted the strides recorded in the poultry enterprise by the State Government through Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme of the Central Bank of Nigeria among others, urged the Trainees to embrace the programme and strive to empower others, even as lauded Hon. Nwokocha for embarking on the project.
It was gathered that the Dr. Ikechukwu Okoro, a Representative of the Consultant handling the project, Santonz Consultancy Ltd developed illustration materials for the beneficiaries to use even after the exercise.
