In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers in Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho has launched a comprehensive empowerment program for farmers in Ankpa Federal Constituency.

The program, which includes the distribution of essential agricultural inputs such as high-quality rice seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, is aimed at supporting local farmers to boost their crop yields and improving their overall productivity.

Senator Echocho, who was represented by his legislative aide, Hon. Ibro Akiti, reiterated his commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in Kogi East, stating that the empowerment program is an important part of his efforts to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth in the region.

The farmers, who benefited from the program, expressed their gratitude to Senator Echocho for his support, noting that the empowerment program will go a long way in improving their agricultural productivity and enhancing their livelihoods.

In a bid to bolster agricultural productivity in Kogi East, Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho has donated a significant quantity of fertilizer to farmers in the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency.
This initiative is part of the senator’s broader effort to support local farmers and ensure a successful harvest during the current farming season.
His special adviser on Media Mikail Ibrahim in a statement on Sunday indicated that the fertilizer donation, aimed at benefiting households across the region, underscores Senator Echocho’s commitment to agricultural development.
Speaking on the distribution, Senator Echocho emphasized that the initiative is non-partisan and open to all farmers in Kogi East.
“Farming knows no party or affiliation; therefore, every farmer in Kogi East is entitled to this support,” he stated.

According to the statement, beneficiaries of the donation included a wide array of community members, such as teachers, artisans, security personnel, political party members, market women, youth organizations, and representatives from religious and traditional institutions.

The initiative is designed to encourage farming as a viable solution to the economic challenges currently facing many Nigerians.

Alhaji Danlami Garba, Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Echocho, led the distribution effort and stressed that the process was conducted without bias.
“We have ensured that the fertilizer reaches farmers in Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency fairly and without consideration of political, religious, or cultural differences,” Garba said.
He also revealed that similar distributions would soon take place in other federal constituencies within Kogi East, including Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro and Idah/Odolu/Ofu.

This fertilizer distribution is part of Senator Echocho’s broader facilitation programs, aimed at improving the livelihoods of his constituents and fostering sustainable agricultural growth in the region.
The initiative has been well-received by the local community, which views it as a critical step towards enhancing food security and economic stability in Kogi East.

Coordinator of the National Sewing Championship 2024, Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya has canvassed for a culture of work in Nigeria, where youths can earn money through their skills, reducing reliance on certificates alone.
The initiative has already shown success, with 10 young people from last year’s competition now running their own businesses.

Osikoya who is a former commissioner for Education in Kpgi State envisions a future where Nigeria can participate in global vocational skills competitions, showcasing the country’s talents and promoting small-scale industries.
She urged governments at all levels to key into the initiatives to engage more youths with functional skills to tame insecurity and provide them with job opportunities.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the venue of the championship, Osikoya indicated that the championship is to identify and nurture talents in various vocational skills, especially tailoring, electrical work, and road maintenance.
The competition, organized by the Ladi Memorial Foundation, is part of the Skillup Nigeria project which seeks to equip young people with skills in tailoring.
She lauded the support of organizations like UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the FCT administration, which have subsidized the costs for contestants.
“The ultimate goal is to create a reward system that identifies and celebrates unique potentials, providing incentives for youths to develop their skills and become self-sufficient.
“By doing so, the initiative aims to reduce crime, incentivize entrepreneurship, and promote a culture of work in Nigeria.
“The National Sewing Championship 2024 (NSC24) held state and FCT qualifying competitions on August 21, 2024, with 1,400 contestants aged 12-22.
“The championship aims to identify and promote vocational talents, encourage students to develop vocational skills, and support technical and vocational education.
“With the support of 26 states, FCT, and federal partners, the championship seeks to promote quality education and self-reliance.
“The top 54 contestants will compete in the finals and upskilling sewing boot camp in September. Prizes will be awarded, and stakeholders are solicited to provide funding support to make the championship accessible to all and promote vocational skills development.”
Director of National Business and Technical Education Support Abuja office, Ruth Gyeyok Popoola said
the competition has two sections: a written test and a practical session. The written test shed said assesses the candidates’ basic knowledge of sewing techniques, while the practical session evaluates their ability to apply the skills in a real-world setting.
“The competition is open to students in junior and senior secondary schools, as well as those who are out of school. The winners will receive starter packs, including sewing machines and threads, and will have the opportunity to participate in a boot camp where they will undergo further training and certification.
Popoola emphasized the importance of skills acquisition in Nigeria, particularly in the face of high unemployment rates, as she called on the government to support initiatives like the Skillup Nigeria project, which aims to equip young people with skills that can make them self-sufficient and employable.
She said the competition will produce three winners who will receive certification and be recognized as skilled tailors.
According to her, the certification is recognized globally and can be presented at embassies when applying for visas.