The Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (AKULGA), Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Aboiyaa Bob-Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth development and the creation of an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to flourish in the area.
The council boss made the pledge on Friday when a delegation from the TAGDEV 2.0 Out-of-School Youth Skilling for Work and Wealth Creation in the Rice and Aquaculture Value Chain Training Programme paid him a courtesy visit to appreciate the council’s partnership in the successful two-day training exercise.
The programme drew participants from the three Kalabari-speaking local government areas of Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, and Degema.
Receiving a Certificate of Commendation and Participation on behalf of the council, Rt. Hon. Bob-Fubara assured the delegation that his administration would sustain and expand the initiative at the local government level, with deliberate policies aimed at equipping youths with enduring, marketable skills.
“My administration remains committed to human capital development, particularly for our youths. We will continue to create the right environment for entrepreneurship to thrive and ensure that our young people are empowered with skills that stand the test of time,” the chairman stated.
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Earlier, the Programme Coordinator at the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ibisime Etela, while presenting the certificate, described the training as a significant step towards youth empowerment and the transformation of agriculture and agri-food systems in a manner that is inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient.
He disclosed that the training culminated in the formation of over 20 potential business groups and cooperatives, which would enable participants to establish sustainable livelihoods in the rice and aquaculture value chains.
The delegation was led by Amb. Ipalibo-Madodoye, Founder and Executive Director of Kengema Youth Entrepreneurs and Innovators Hub (KYEIH), the agribusiness-focused organisation that hosted the training.
Also present at the brief ceremony were the Vice Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA, Mrs. Warigbani George, and a prominent stakeholder, Hon. Evans Daerego.
The TAGDEV 2.0 programme is an African regional initiative designed to transform agriculture through enhanced skills development and entrepreneurial capacity among the youth.
