The management of the Benin-Owema River Basin Development Authority BORBDA, in its desire to empower the youths of Okpe and Uneme-Nekhua communities in Akoko-Edo local governments in Edo state, where it currently has two integrated farms of the Songhai model, has selected five youths each from both communities, to be sponsored to Port Novo, where they will undergo training in farming.
BORBDA, under the leadership of the managing director, Engineer Saliu Osifuemhe Ahmed, have devised means through which indigenes of Edo state, can benefit from the natural resources of their individual communities.
The farming initiative was borne out of the desire of the BORBDA management, to equip Edo youths, so they are able to carve a niche for themselves, in the agricultural sphere.
The youths selected are expected to travel to Port Novo, the Republic of Benin to undergo the two months of training, then come back to their communities where they will be expected to teach and impact other youths from the knowledge they have acquired.
The youths from the Okpe community embarking on the trip are Okolo Comfort, Daniel Ojo, Okunlewe Bose, Odibo Idiere, and Jatto Stephen. While those from Uneme-Nekwa are Justice Areje, Akpaida Eronmose, James Husseini, Peter Oduareyeni, and Mary Abe.
The MD of the Authority, Engr. Ahmed urged the training beneficiaries to be well-behaved and also focus on the training while over there. He noted that ‘the integrated farms in Okpe and Uneme-Nekhua, have already begun production, hence, the need to get well-trained personnel for the job.
He added that many world leaders and UNESCO have recommended the Systeme Integre Songhai farm in Port Novo, as a model for farmers, that is why they saw the need to train Nigerian youth farmers there too.
Ahmed explained that “the member representing Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency and Deputy leader of the House of Representatives, Peter Akpatason, keyed into the new trend of farming, following the marching order by the Minister of Water Resources, that all the River Basin Development Authorities should set up their own integrated farms, in every senatorial district”.
He is however hopeful that the sponsored youths will arrive in Port Novo safely, focus on learning the rudiments of farming and get back to train more youths in the field.
Also admonishing the youths to be of good behaviour during the training, the Olokpe of Okpe, HRH, Oba Oshizimeteh Idogun, and the Prince of Uneme-Nekhua, Dr. Felix Ogbamudu both told them that they are carrying the banner of both communities and that of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin hence they must ensure that they concentrate on their training and not engage on any activity that could rubbish the country and the communities.
Responding on behalf of their co-trainees, Peter Udeareyanig and Odibo Iyere from Uneme-Nekhua and Okpe communities respectively, promised to be of good behaviour, before, during and after the training, represent the country well and return to Nigeria to impact on their colleagues back home what they gained throughout the training period which slated to run for two months.