Awka — The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) has commenced one-week techno-entrepreneurship training for 50 youths and women on post-harvest value addition of selected agricultural produce in the South-East geo-political zone.
The WAAPP organised the training in collaboration with the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, (FIIRO) in Awka on Monday for the South-East zone.
In his address, the National Project Coordinator, WAAPP, Prof. Damian Chikwendu, said that a total of 300 unemployed youths and women were being trained across the country.
“For the South-East, it is Cassava Processing into high quality cassava flour, odourless fufu flour, industrial starch, cassava-based adhesive; and fruit juice production and packaging.
“At the end, the participants would be able to produce the products, check the quality of raw materials, market the products and manage the business profitability,” he said.
Chikwendu, who was represented by Dr Grace Ojonide, said that the programme aimed at contributing to technology generation in order to boost agricultural productivity among others.
Also speaking, the Director-General, FIIRO, Mrs Gloria Elemo, said that despite the concerted effort of governments at addressing the issue of unemployment, unemployment was on the increase.
Represented by Dr Patrick Irabor, Elemo expressed hope that the training will lead to massive creation of employment in the country.
She urged the participants to take the training seriously and put to use the knowledge acquired.
Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Fisheries, Mr Emeka Iloghalu, while declaring the training open, said that his administration focused on four cardinal agenda including agriculture.
Obiano expressed his administration’s resolve to support agricultural programmes, which aimed to provide means of livelihood for youths and women in the state.
One of the participants, Miss Confidence Okoye, expressed happiness with the training, saying she hopes to start up her own fruit juice business, if only government could further assist with grants. (NAN)
- Latest
- Trending
