Agric Ministry Empowers Retirees with Enterpreneurship Skills, Starter Packs
In a significant move to bolster retiree morale, promote job creation and food security, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security recently held the 5th edition of its Enterpreneurship Skills Development and Agro-Allied Enterprises Workshop.
The training program organised for 18 retired staff is designed to equip participants with practical skills in accordance with the Ministry’s robust plan to promote the nation’s food sovereignty program as well as prepare its retirees for productivity after Service.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, stated that, “The programme will equip our retired officers with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills required to establish and manage viable enterprises like poultry, farming, fishery, and also empower participants to be independent and productive.”
While urging the beneficiaries to grow their businesses with the acquired knowledge from the training, he noted that “Through this initiative, the Ministry seeks to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of its workforce, both during active service and retirement.”
“We want our staff to see Agriculture not only as a government responsibility but also as a viable business opportunity, one that aligns with the Federal government’s agenda for food security, economic diversification and poverty reduction”. He stressed
Dr. Ogunbiyi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the goal of FCSSIP 2025 through initiatives that promote staff welfare, lifelong learning, and sustainable livelihoods. “Together, we can build a civil service that not only serves efficiently but also empowers its officers to thrive beyond retirement.” He said
Earlier in his remarks, Director, Reform Coordination, Service Improvement and Innovation, Mr Udo Effik stated that the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative of ensuring food sovereignty, employment generation, wealth creation and inclusivity.
The retirees, led by Mr. Gani Garba, former Director, Department of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, expressed gratitude for the impactful training and pledged to embrace agribusiness as a means of livelihood.
According to a statement by Ogbuagu Chika on behalf of the Ministry’s Head of Information, the training concluded with the presentation of certificates and starter packs to the retirees
