…as Heifer Nigeria commences training for newly recruited facilitators in Edo State
By Peace Temisan Osemwegie
To drive the vision of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in making Edo State the Poultry hub of Nigeria, Edo State Government entered into partnership with Heifer International in Dec 2022 to support 200,000 farmers by 2025 and 500,000 farmers by 2030, who would engage in the production of noiler and broiler chickens, while a private sector partner, Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd. will guarantee sustainable off-take of the chickens produced by the farmers.
Under this partnership, Amo Farms Sieberer Hatchery Limited is establishing a standard poultry processing plant, starting with 10,000 chickens per day capacity plant, in Edo State.
To drive the social capital initiative, Heifer Int’l has commenced a-three day training exercise for the newly recruited community facilitators on Tuesday 16th May, 2023, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The trainees were recruited from nine local government areas across the state.
Speaking during the event, the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Strategy, Policy, Projects and Performance Management, Mrs. Sarah Ajose-Adeogun, reiterated the state government’s commitment to eradicating poverty in the state by creating a sustainable means of livelihood for the citizens.
Ajose-Adeogun further emphasized the need to see agriculture as a Business rather than as a mere unlucrative venture. She said, “If people can feed at least twice a day, crime will reduce. When people have hope, they will not think of crime, and your job is to bring them out of hopelessness. I am therefore appealing to you to make a difference in the way you carry out your assignments”.
Also speaking at the event, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Sunny Erhunmwonsere, further admonished the participants to be diligent as they carry out their tasks, noting that the partnership is a serious business and one that should not be taken lightly.
Addressing the guests and participants, the Programme Officer, Heifer Int’l, Mrs Kachi Aiyevbowan, commended the state government for their support, praising its effort in making Edo an attractive target for investment. Kachi noted that Edo State is one of the few States in Nigeria championing activities under Heifer international. “We are trying to address the importation of poultry products by strengthening the poultry value chain in Nigeria especially Edo State”, Kachi said.
She further appealed to the trainees whom she referred to as “Champions” to join hands with Edo State Government and the partnering organizations to ensure that the vision of the current administration in making Edo State the poultry hub of the nation is actualized.
