Senator Ede Dafinone
In a significant boost to agriculture and food security, over 300 farmers and aspiring agripreneurs in Delta Central received essential agricultural starter packs on March 7, 2025. This marked the grand finale of the two-day Agriculture and Food Security Training and Empowerment Programme, championed by Senator Ede Dafinone.
Held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, the initiative provided participants with hands-on training in crop cultivation and fish farming, equipping them with the skills and resources to launch successful agribusiness ventures.
Targeted Training and Empowerment
Each participant received a starter pack tailored to their training module.
Day One: Pest-Resistant Vegetable Farming – Trainees specializing in tomatoes, pepper, maize, and groundnuts were provided with high-yield seedlings, fertilizers, and pest control chemicals.
Day Two: Fish Farming – Participants focusing on fishponds and fingerlings (juvenile fish) farming received fish feeds, fingerlings, and pond treatment kits.
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This distribution underscores Senator Dafinone’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment, reinforcing agribusiness as a pathway to economic growth.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Dafinone emphasized his dedication to tackling unemployment and food insecurity through agricultural investment.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. With these starter packs, you are not just farmers but entrepreneurs who will contribute to food production and economic growth,” he stated.
He urged beneficiaries to apply their training effectively and assured them of continued support in their agribusiness endeavors.
The programme, organized in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Abuja, featured industry experts who provided practical insights into modern farming methods.
Key training areas included:
Vegetable Farming: Soil management, irrigation techniques, pest control, and market integration.
Fish Farming: Pond construction, water quality management, breeding techniques, and disease prevention.
Resource Persons and Specialized Sessions
Mr. Obasi Sunday – Led sessions on tomato and pepper production.
Mrs. Raheem Adejoke Arike – Trained participants on good agricultural practices for maize cultivation.
Mrs. Olabisi Oladele – Focused on groundnut disease control and soil fertility management.
Mrs. T. Adeshola – Introduced innovative methods for high-yield okra farming.
Ogechi Happiness Ewa – Provided expert guidance on sustainable fishpond management and profit-maximization strategies.
For many beneficiaries, the starter packs symbolized a fresh start in agribusiness.
Mrs. Ogechi Ewa, a Senior Agricultural Officer and trainer, commended the initiative, saying:
“With the enthusiasm shown here, I foresee a transformation in agribusiness across Delta Central.”
First-time fish farmer Victor Bajere shared his excitement:
“I used to think agriculture was just for subsistence, but now I see the business potential.”
Another participant, Odia Antonia Sheke, expressed gratitude:
“With the starter pack, I can start immediately. I appreciate Senator Dafinone’s commitment to our future.”
To ensure sustainability, Olorogun Ejemudaro Salubi, Head of Projects for Senator Dafinone, announced a post-training monitoring system to track beneficiaries’ progress.
“This initiative is not just about training but long-term impact. We will follow up to ensure you are progressing in your farming journey,” she assured.
The programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s national strategy to boost food production and employment, positioning Delta Central as a hub for agribusiness growth.
With this successful intervention, stakeholders anticipate an increase in youth participation in agriculture, fostering economic empowerment and strengthening food security in the region.
