Agribusiness: Onoja lauds APPEALS impact on Kogi youth »

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja has applauded the impact of the Agro Processing Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project of the World Bank on benefitting Kogi youth.

He gave the applause in Lokoja at a meeting for project implementation work plan for the year, held at Reverton Hotel with the management of APPEALS in the state and its resource persons.

He said the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello has huge interest in the project because of its bility to contribute to women and youth empowerment and address the food security efforts of the nation.

“As Governor Yahaya Bello has repeatedly stated about his interest and investment in the sector, Kogi should lead among beneficiaries of such agricultural programmes because it is an agrarian state with proximity to the centre and young population driving the project in the state.

“We should, as a state, have the capacity to do double what other states do even as the state has its own blueprint and focus which includes agriculture to assist the country in its drive to ensure food security for the citizens and creates jobs for the people.

Chief Onoja appealed for balance and fairness among the state’s beneficiaries from across the state as is being preached by Governor Yahaya Bello and thanked the programme’s stakeholders for their sacrifices in interest of the state and assured of them continued government support.

The project coordinator for the state, Dr Sanni Abduallhi Ozomata had earlier explained components of the progranme to include Productivity enhancement; Agro Processing and value Addition with women and youth sub-set; Post Harvest Management; Rural Infrastructure, technical Assistance/ Support and Project Management.