In an effort to empower young individuals with fundamental knowledge in Agricbusiness and enhance food production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, will commence free training next month. The initiative, approved by Vice Chancellor Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, will be conducted by the university’s Agricbusiness Incubation Centre.
Dr. Philips Nto, the Director of the Centre, announced this development in a statement in Umuahia, highlighting that the training commencement coincides with the third anniversary of the Vice Chancellor’s tenure. Established under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Incubation Centre provides a range of services to the Abia community, focusing on ensuring food security.
Dr. Nto emphasized that the centre aims to provide top-notch capacity building and training as an innovation hub for various aspects of Agricbusiness enterprises. The training will cover the production of conventional confectionery from wheat and indigenous root/tuber crops, as well as chips, high-quality flours, fufu flours, starches, and drinks from turmeric and sweet potatoes.
He expressed optimism that after the training, participants would also be skilled in producing drinks, juices, local beers, dried fruits, and jam. Dr. Nto encouraged youths from Abia and neighboring states to seize the opportunity for free training to enhance their self-sufficiency in food production.
Furthermore, Dr. Nto revealed that after the initial free training for individuals, the Centre plans to expand its scope to include trainees from government and corporate organizations. He commended Vice Chancellor Prof. Iwe for providing the grant for the centre’s establishment and his unwavering support to ensure its success in fulfilling its mandate.
