Thursday May 8, 2025 |
In its unwavering commitment to food security, economic empowerment, and national development, NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC, has launched an agricultural training program aimed at empowering vulnerable farmers in Akwa Ibom State.
In her welcome address, the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the NNPC Ltd Agricultural Training Initiative for Vulnerable Farmers is part of the Foundation’s broader efforts to support the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance food security, increase productivity, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
Arukwe, who was represented by Dr. Bala David, Executive Director of Program Development and Coordinator, stressed that the programme developed for the growth of vulnerable farmers will equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, aimed at enhancing food security, increasing productivity, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
Her words: “Through this initiative, we will train 6,000 vulnerable farmers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in modern, climate-resilient farming techniques, soil and water management, organic fertilisation, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies. Our goal is to equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.”
Arukwe pointed out that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for over 70% of Nigeria’s population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (2024). However, many farmers remain trapped in subsistence production due to limited access to modern techniques, quality inputs, and competitive markets.
“This training is designed to change that narrative. Together with our partners, government representatives, and stakeholders, we can revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and secure a food-sufficient and economically stable future for all,” she added.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, represented by her Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Atim Okoko, commended the NNPC Foundation for its commitment to food security. She appealed to the foundation to extend the program to other farmer groups, highlighting that Akwa Ibom State has over 10,000 farmers.
“I want to express the appreciation of the Akwa Ibom State government to the NNPC for mounting this laudable program. Your program has come at a time when our dear governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is heavily supporting agriculture in the state. Under his ARISE Agenda, the first letter ‘A’ represents Agriculture,” Offor said.
On his part, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Prince Bassey Inwang, commended NNPC for the training.
