The management of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority has portrayed its commitment to capacity building through training of staff members and other stakeholders of the agency.
The Managing Director of the agency, Dr. Adeniyi Saheed Aremu disclosed this during briefing journalists in Ilorin, emphasized that more than 300 members of staff have been trained between 2017 and 2021 across various Departments, Units and cadres.
He also said that “stakeholders in the Water Users Association were trained in line with the current trends of irrigation management, climate change and water-shed management.
“As part of the Authority’s drive to automate some of its activities for better effectiveness, it has procured a drone for farmland mapping, land acquisition survey and survey of project design and construction.
“The Authority also purchased an unmanned Surface Vessel (Apache 5) for underwater survey, monitoring, data collation and analysis. Also, the Authority purchased an industrial drilling rig and Back Hoe Mini Excavator with a view to boost its revenue generation. Farminputs such as: pesticides, herbicides, improved seeds, MPK fertilizer, and acquisition of new tractors (including their implements) were handed over to all Area Offices to ease and stimulate increased farming activities.
Dr. Aremu noted that a large number of unemployed youth and vast agricultural land is faced with unavailability staple crops, hence, the Honourable Minister directed the RBDAs to embark on training of youth in various aspects of agriculture.
Which is why over sixty (60) youth have been trained in agribusiness, value addition, and livestock production. Starter packs were also given to them to be gainfully employed. These exclude yearly training of selected participants on agribusiness.
Speaking on utilising modern agricultural extension and modern farming practices, the LNRBDA boss said that the authority has made concerted efforts towards achieving integrated farming system, especially incorporating the Songhai Model.
Aremu added that “the Authority, in the 2019 Fiscal Year, awarded the contract for the establishment of Songhai Model Farm Centre in the Authority. The Integrated farm incorporates the principle of Circular Economy whereby raising livestock, fish production and crops as well as on-sites processing are fused together in a natural environment.
“The project has provided direct job for twenty (20) people and indirect for many retailers and wholesalers.”