In a proactive move to address the challenges faced by poultry farming and businesses in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc has initiated a youth empowerment program focused on poultry skills acquisition.
Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, the General Manager of Community Affairs/Special Duties, highlighted that this initiative is an integral part of the 2023 community empowerment scheme designed to benefit the youth residing in the host communities of Kogi State.
The primary objective of this intervention is to bolster poultry production and the poultry business sector, providing crucial support to the government’s efforts in this area. To kickstart the program, 30 young individuals from the catchment areas, including Oyo, Obajana, Iwaa, and Apata, have been enlisted.
The training curriculum is comprehensive, covering essential aspects of poultry production, processing, record-keeping, and entrepreneurial skills. Notably, the beneficiaries have already received starter packs containing key resources such as Point of Laying Hens, Battery Cages, Feeds, medication, and various operational accessories.
The responsibility of imparting these essential skills falls on the College of Education (Technical), Kabba, which collaborates with Dangote Cement Plc to deliver the program. Dr. Jagboro Victoria Olusola (Mrs.), the Provost of the College of Education (Technical), Kabba, expressed her appreciation for Dangote Cement Plc’s proactive approach to empowering local communities. She emphasized that this initiative aligns perfectly with the adage of teaching people how to fish, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainability.
During the training period, the trainees underwent two and a half months of intensive classroom sessions, where they learned various aspects of poultry production, processing, bookkeeping, accounting, and entrepreneurial skills. These classroom teachings were complemented by practical field visits to established poultry businesses in and around Kogi State, providing hands-on experience.
The Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Mr. JV Gungune, encouraged the beneficiaries to approach this opportunity with dedication and commitment. He likened the starter packs to a mango tree that requires nurturing to bear fruits year after year, emphasizing the importance of discipline, prudence, and perseverance to reap the full benefits of this initiative.
In a symbolic gesture, the Plant Director and the Provost jointly presented 30 starter packs to the enthusiastic participants, marking the beginning of a journey towards self-reliance and sustainable poultry farming.
