The lawmaker representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Senator Saliu Mustapha, yesterday flagged off a multi-million naira capacity-building and empowerment workshop focused on dry season farming and horticultural value chain for youth and women in his constituency.
The training, which was kicked-off at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin, is being conducted by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in collaboration with Gemstone Integrated Farm Nigeria Ltd.
Senator Saliu Mustapha, who was represented by his legislative aide, Tunde Abdulkadir, explained that the participants would be equipped not only with technical skills in dry season farming but also with practical knowledge of the horticultural value chain.
He assured the participants that, beyond the training, they would be empowered with the necessary tools and resources to put their new skills into practice.
Mustapha expressed optimism that the training would empower the beneficiaries to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to Kwara’s agricultural economy.
Dr. Joel Akindele Akinfasoye, NIHORT representative, described the programme as a rare opportunity, noting that the training would have cost each beneficiary hundreds of thousands.
