By Stella Odueme
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, has empowered retirees from the ministry with starter packs based on area of choice to enhance productivity and remain self-reliant while out of service.
Speaking during the 4th Edition of Entrepreneurship Skills Development on Agro-Allied Enterprises held at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, ARMTI, in Abuja recently, the Permanent Secretary noted that the empowerment workshop was part of the Ministry’s strategic effort in delivering the four priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, which include ensuring food security, economic growth and job creation, poverty eradication, and inclusiveness.
He also pointed out that the essence was to empower participants to be independent and productive while also complementing the Ministry’s efforts in achieving its core mandate.
Umakhihe tasked the participants to embark on continuous learning and adaptability, stay resilient, embrace innovation, and strive to complement the Ministry’s effort in ensuring food availability for the ordinary Nigerian.
He, therefore, commended the resource persons for helping the participants gain a better understanding of the logistics and mechanisms involved in poultry, vegetable, and potato farming.
Earlier, Director, Reform Coordination, Service Improvement, and Innovation, Mr. Udo Effik, noted that the workshop was apt, as it was part of the strategic efforts by the Ministry in driving the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25).
He revealed the three focus areas for the workshop to include: poultry, vegetable, and potato farming, pointing out that the management of the ministry believes that the lessons acquired will be properly harnessed to promote food sufficiency and economic growth, amongst others.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, the Deputy Director, Department of Rural Development, Engr. Ayodele Julius, commended management staff for the initiative and pointed out that preparing retirees for exit from service was a gift for life, which the ministry has assisted them to fulfill.
He assured that the starter packs given would be put to good use.
The highlight of the event was the Permanent Secretary’s presentation of starter packs to the participants.