A community leader and philanthropist, Alh. Babatunde Ologburo on friday inaugurated the first phase of Agribusiness empowerment and training for fifty (50) youths selected across the thirty-three local government of Oyo state.
The beneficiaries will be trained for some period on livestock agriculture with special focus on goatry management after which they will be empowered with input including goats worth over one million naira.
Speaking with newsmen at the official flag off ceremony held at Anyx farm in Oyo, the Oyo born prince and international businessman said the multimillion naira empowerment programme is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility CSR from his company and to compliment the effort of Governor Seyi Makinde in empowering the youths in Agribusiness.
“I understand that government cannot do all, Governor Seyi Makinde’s investments in Agribusiness is huge and as one of the local contractors that is enjoying patronage from Oyo state government myself i decided to organize this empowerment program to support the government and i believe in couple of years we will have more entrepreneurs and goat farmers.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye in his remark said the state government appreciated the gesture adding that the state is also looking forward for more collaboration with stakeholders to boost Agric sectors in the state.
Olaleye added that the state has embarked on many Initiatives and supply imputs to farmers free of charge to boost productivity and reduce food crisis in the state
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola in his remark applauded Alhaji Ologburo for his genuine interest to give back to the society and support the government’s initiative on youths empowerment.
“He is not the only contactors that is being engaged by state government but he is a loyal partner in progress who is always concern about the advancement of the state, we thank you for this and we are hoping to see more of this gestures from you and other contractors.
Other speakers at the event including the state commissioner for Budget and economic planning, Prof. Musa Babatunde, Honourable representing Atiba State Constituency, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola who in their seperate remarks commended Alhaji Ologburo for the project, urging the beneficiaries to take advantage of the training to create jobs and empower themselves.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Chairman, Oyo West local Government, Hon. Hakeem Olukitibi described the empowerment program as a significant one in the history of the state. He noted that the project is the first of its kind in the history of the pace setter state.
Pitching Oyo west local Government, Hon. Olukitibi added that the state constituency is strategically positioned and most advantaged in the transformation agenda of the state Governor Seyi Makinde. He further enjoined fellow chairman of local governments in the state on critical adoption of the project in their local governments as a means of giving back to the people.
Addressing the dignitaries during a quick tour of the farm, Consultant of the project, Engr. Abdul Salam Abdul Lateef noted that the goat breed are known as “Red Sokoto” adding that measures have been in place to ensure their adaptability which will inturn aid their productivity.
While encouraging participants on better
utilization of the project, Engr. Abdul Lateef stressed that participants who are committed can have their training kits as soon as the needed training has been completed.
Dignitaries at the event includes Chief Babatunde Tijani “Double T’, Barr. Morohunkola Thomas, Council Chairmen political officer holders, representative of the PDP state executive, traditional rulers among others.
