IN A BID to strengthen agricultural productivity and empower local farmers, the Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council in Abuja, Honourable Abubakar Umar Abdullahi has empowered fifty-five youths and farmers of the council on macro-propagation techniques for banana and plantain crops.
The four-week practical training focused on advanced skills to enhance their farming practices.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the training, Honourable Abdullahi emphasized the significance of the training which commenced on October 29, 2024.
Although the programme was delayed due to unpredicted circumstances, he described it as a “life-changing initiative” that aligns with his administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods through agriculture.
“This program reflects one of the cardinal policies of my administration: to improve the fortunes of our people through agriculture, which is their primary occupation,” Abdullahi noted in a statement obtained by The Explainer.
“Our goal is to diversify into banana and plantain farming while equipping our farmers and youths with skills to increase yields, reduce disease transmission, and preserve genetic diversity.”
The Explainer learnt that he training concentrated on macro-propagation techniques, a contemporary approach that enables farmers to generate planting materials more affordably and efficiently. Trainers emphasised how these strategies may establish Abaji Area Council as Nigeria’s top banana and plantain producer.
Empowerment Grants for Participants
To ensure that the knowledge gained is put to productive use, the executive chairman announced an empowerment package of N100,000 for each of the 55 participants.
“This grant is meant to help you kick-start your banana and plantain farms,” Abdullahi declared. “However, the Council reserves the right to monitor how these funds are utilized and the progress of your farms.”
The council chairman also reiterated his administration’s readiness to collaborate with development partners to implement similar life-changing programs.
“The path to achieving this noble objective has been laid during the training,” Abdullahi remarked. “We remain committed to supporting initiatives that empower our people and boost our local economy.”
The Explainer learned that this program is the first of its kind in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), making the 55 beneficiaries pioneers in adopting macro-propagation techniques in their communities.
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Abdullahi urged participants to fully utilize their training and become ambassadors of agricultural innovation in the region.
The Explainer noted that governance at the grassroots, as exemplified by Abaji’s initiative, could reshape narratives about public service in Nigeria. By focusing on practical, measurable outcomes, such initiatives showcase the potential for leadership to prioritize citizens’ welfare.
As the participants return to their communities, the success of this program will depend on their ability to implement the knowledge gained and the council’s commitment to ensuring sustained support. For now,
Abaji Area Council has set a precedent in grassroots governance, one that holds promise for future developmental strides.
