In an effort to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government has initiated the 2024 Sustainable Agricultural Development Training Scheme (SADTS) through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Oyo State. This program aims to inspire unemployed Nigerians to adopt agriculture as a means of earning a living, ultimately leading to the creation of more job opportunities, improved food security, and increased wealth generation.
The launch of the training scheme took place in Ibadan, with NDE’s Director General, Mallam Abubakar Fikpo, expressing that the initiative’s primary goal is to encourage the participation of jobless Nigerians in modern agriculture. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The DG, represented by Oyo State Coordinator of NDE, Mrs. Olayinka Steve-Ogundipe, expressed gratitude to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, for enabling the agency to promote agriculture as a viable business option that can attract unemployed individuals to modern agricultural practices.
Today marks the launch of the training program for 50 participants enrolled in the 2024 Sustainable Agricultural Development Training Scheme (SADTS). These prospective participants have been selected from local governments and senatorial districts across the 36 states of the federation, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This diverse representation aims to ensure that the benefits of this agricultural initiative reach various regions and communities throughout Nigeria.
The training program will focus on various objectives, including creating employment opportunities in rural communities. This will be achieved by providing participants with knowledge and skills in modern, innovative agricultural technologies, such as exotic vegetable crops and livestock production. By doing so, the program aims to strengthen the value chain within the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to food security and economic growth.
During the launch, Deputy Director of Rural Employment Promotion, Mrs. Beatrice Oruoyehu, who was represented by Mr. Chimaobi Eleleme, emphasized that the SADTS training is designed to transform the economy to promote sustained inclusive growth and enhance agriculture’s role in achieving food security. The Head of Rural Employment Promotion department at Oyo NDE, Mr. Kabir Adedoja, added that the participants selected for this training come from the three senatorial districts of the state.
