NCDMB Starts Graduate Agro-Entrepreneurial Training

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has flagged off the pilot phase of the Graduate Agro-Entrepreneurial Training (GAET), designed to train 120 participants for two weeks on poultry farming.

The scheme which is part of the Board’s human capacity building initiatives is aimed at imbuing graduates from oil producing states with Agric-entrepreneurial skills in line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification policy.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony held at Okitipupa, Ondo State, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote explained that the alternative direct intervention training programme (DITPs) was informed by the fact that only a limited number of persons can be engaged in the oil and gas industry.

He explained that the GAET programme was designed in line with Ondo State Government’s Out Growers Scheme. Upon the completion of their training, the beneficiaries will serve in the proposed Broiler Processing and Rendering Plant which has capacity to process 2000 birds per hour.

Engr. Simbi who was represented by Manager, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Engr. Frank Ibi stated that the programme will equip trainees with basic skills for self-reliance.

He charged participants to be dedicated, adding that successful candidates will be issued NABTEB certificates and provided with grants.

In his words, “NCDMB will provide working capital/grant in form of inputs to enable the graduates start large scale commercial production of chicken and begin to contribute to the National Gross Domestic Product.”

In a goodwill message, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Engr. Olusoga Oduselu applauded the Board for its capacity building interventions, which have helped to deepen indigenous capabilities. He said, “Your facilitation of this training is a testimony of your commitment to your mandate of building local capacity within the oil and gas sector.”

Oduselu, who was represented by Mr. Charles Ogbiyede of the Policy, Government and Public Affairs Department of CNL, stressed Chevron’s commitment towards creating a nexus between multinationals operating within the Niger Delta region and local small and medium enterprises. According to him, “Chevron Nigeria is committed to building robust partnerships that add significant value to the communities where we operate to ensure value creation and sustainable economic growth.”

He further charged the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to enhance their skills and better their lives.