Federal government has expressed resolve to train no fewer than 60 individuals in poultry production within Okaka town, Itesiwaju local government.
This is inline with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This was disclosed by the federal government team from the Federal College of Animal Health Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan at a stakeholders’ meeting, held in Okaka town.
While speaking, the Director of Vocational Training of the Institution, Dr. Olufemi Banjoko and the Burser of the School,Mr Ayodele Olayinka said the aim of the meeting was basically to create awareness for the people of okaka on federal government’s plan to train and empower unemployed youths, women and other individuals who are interested in poultry farming to come and take advantage of the initiative.
The duo stressed that the training initiative will be a morale booster for the people of the town through which they can be empowered economically.
The federal government representatives noted that the scheme is designed for people who are passionate about poultry farming, adding that it will expose the people of okaka to modern technique in poultry production as well as other lucrative fields in agricultural value chain.
They reiterated that the benefits of the programme were enormous as it will avail the beneficiaries the opportunity of becoming an employer of labour instead of being a job seeker.
The meeting, which had in attendance the Okaka Community Chairman, Reverend Jeremiah Adeosun,Dr Abdul lateef Ajibike, Okaka youth leader Mr Sarafa Ahmed,PRO Alhaji Taiwo Adeyemo, Financial Secretary Mr Segun Ayandokun and other executives was also graced by the representatives of the Olokaka of Okakaland, His Royal Majesty; Oba Abdul Azeez Olatunji Ayoola Ogelende IV, led by the Ooto of Okaka land, High Chief Salawu Ayanwale, Baale Ibitelu Chief Salaudeen Ogunleke,Baale Bootun Chief Ganiyu Adefabi,
Others who attended the meeting were representatives of other ethnic groups and nationalities residing in okaka, including Juku, Togolese and Benin.
While speaking on behalf of the Olokaka of Okaka land and the people of okaka, community chairman, Reverend Jeremiah Adeosun and community leader Dr Abdul lateef Ajibike appreciated the team and the management of the Federal College of Animal Health Production for the initiative.
They reiterated that the outreach station situated in Okaka is first of its kind in Oke Ogun Area.
The community leaders also used the occasion to seek for government’s support for the development of the Institution through the inclusion of the members of the community in its governing council.
They also called for the optimal use of the school by AFANS for seminars and other programmes.
The leaders called for collaborative efforts through Public/ Private Partnership Arrangements to form a robust synergy by the two parties, among other demands.
In his reaction,Dr Olufemi Banjoko was passionate about the feedback he got from community leaders describing their reactions as very enthusiastic and readiness to key into government’s programme.
He noted that the success of the programme will encourage federal government to look into their request and also encourage government to bring into the community more developmental projects in livestock production.
He also assured the people of okaka of a meaningful synergy through partnership programmes.
He urged the potential beneficiaries not to mis use the opportunity.
The poultry training programme is expected to kickoff in the mid August 2025 with 60 participants.
By Kaseem Jenrade