The Ondo State Government says it has trained and empowered no fewer than 90 youths across the state in modern poultry farming.
The trainees were participants in the ongoing agricultural programme known as the Adiye Irorun Programme of the state government, targeted at providing employment for youths and women.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre, Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, on Monday.
According to the statement, the programme is in line with the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda of the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Akinsola explained that the Adiye Irorun Programme is a strategic empowerment initiative of the Aiyedatiwa administration, aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of citizens—particularly women and youths—by lifting them out of poverty through sustainable agribusiness.
He noted that the programme operates across the three senatorial districts of the state, with established centres in each district to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, adding that hundreds of youths and women had earlier benefitted.
“Each cycle of the programme runs for six weeks, during which participants are actively trained in poultry production. The government provides all necessary inputs, including chicks, feed, medication, and technical support.
“Ninety youths and women have benefitted from the programme. In the first cycle of the programme, N8.5 million was disbursed to 50 participants, while in the second cycle, over N15 million will be disbursed to 40 participants, with cheques to be presented to them on Tuesday,” Akinsola stated.
He said participants in the programme passed through a structured process that included careful screening and selection, intensive training in poultry farming, and hands-on practical experience at designated farm centres.
Akinsola further explained that at the end of each cycle, birds are sold, the cost of production is recovered by the government, and profits are shared among participants.
“This model ensures sustainability while directly empowering beneficiaries with both income and practical skills,” he stressed.
The OSAEC chairman noted that the Ondo North centre, located at Isuada ABC Farm, has successfully completed its second cycle; the Ondo South centre, located in Ore, has completed its first cycle, with the second cycle already underway; while the Ondo Central centre is yet to commence its first cycle.
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