The Abia State Government has dismissed reports that 28 youths trained in agriculture in Osun State have been abandoned, saying they will be integrated into the state’s broader youth empowerment programme.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, gave the assurance while responding to claims circulating on social media about the status of the trainees.
The statement was issued by Mrs Oluchi Franklin-Oji, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture.
“The State Government is currently putting in place the necessary framework to ensure that the beneficiaries are effectively integrated into the administration’s ongoing agricultural and youth empowerment programmes in a sustainable and impactful manner,” Agbaeze said.
He explained that the training initiative was introduced by Gov. Alex Otti’s administration to equip Abia youths with practical agricultural and entrepreneurial skills to boost food security, self-reliance, job creation, and economic growth.
According to the commissioner, the government trained over 300 youths at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State in 2024 and supported them with up to ₦2.3 million each to start agricultural enterprises.
Many, he said, are already running successful ventures.
“Under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Programme, the state has also trained and empowered more than 4,000 youth incubates across various agricultural value chains.
“Barely three weeks ago, another 276 graduates received about ₦500,000 each as initial working capital,” the statement read.
Agbaeze stressed that the 28 youths trained in Osun remain part of the government’s overall agricultural and youth development agenda.
He noted that some of the trainees had reached out to him directly and were assured that their concerns were being addressed.
He urged the beneficiaries to be patient as the integration process was being finalized and cautioned against allowing themselves to be used for political propaganda.
“The administration of Gov. Alex Otti remains resolute in fulfilling its promises to Abians, particularly in youth empowerment and agricultural transformation,” he added.
