The Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD) in Kano State has reached a significant milestone in empowering its students through a comprehensive agribusiness training program. Launched on October 7, 2024, this initiative is a collaborative effort between the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The program aims to enhance agricultural skills among students, equipping them to thrive in an evolving agribusiness landscape.
Targeting Future Leaders in Agribusiness
With a target of 500 students at ABCOAD, the agribusiness training is part of the Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship (WATEA) program. This initiative is designed not only to promote essential agricultural skills but also to prioritize gender equality, with an impressive 80% of participants being female. This focus on empowering women reflects a commitment to fostering gender inclusivity within the agricultural sector.
Comprehensive Training Curriculum
The training program encompasses a wide range of essential topics, including competency-based technical skills, internship opportunities, and practical agribusiness support. By providing students with hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge, the initiative ensures that they are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of the agricultural sector and succeed in their entrepreneurial ventures.
Empowering Women in Agriculture
Mrs. Munnira Jibrin, the IITA Desk Officer for Kano State, spoke about the French government’s commitment to helping youth develop crucial agribusiness skills. She emphasized the importance of empowering women, noting that they often face unique challenges in the agricultural industry. By providing targeted support and resources, the program aims to equip female participants with the necessary tools to run successful agricultural businesses.
Fostering Self-Reliance Among Female Entrepreneurs
M. Ado Rabo, representing the head of IITA in Kano, highlighted the program’s primary objective: training more women to become self-reliant. By focusing on female entrepreneurship, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable impact in the agricultural sector, paving the way for future generations of women leaders in agriculture.
Support from Local Authorities
Dr. Yusif Ibrahim Kofar Mata, the Commissioner of Higher Education, expressed his appreciation for the program’s emphasis on female empowerment. He encouraged students to seize this unique opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills and called on the college to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture for effective training implementation.
Gratitude from ABCOAD Leadership
The Provost of ABCOAD, Prof. M.A. Wailare, extended his gratitude to the French government for facilitating the training program. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Kano State government in enhancing the college’s educational infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in supporting the students’ learning experience. Prof. Wailare urged students to actively apply the skills acquired through the program, emphasizing the importance of practical application in real-world scenarios.
A Step Towards Agricultural Leadership
This agribusiness training represents a pivotal step toward fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance among students, particularly women. The WATEA program equips participants with skills and knowledge that position them as future leaders in the agricultural sector, helping to drive innovation and growth.
Collective Commitment to Agricultural Development
The collaboration between the French government and local authorities illustrates a collective commitment to advancing agricultural practices and supporting women’s empowerment in Kano State. The launch event attracted a diverse audience, including traditional rulers, college officials, and government representatives, all sharing a common goal of enhancing agricultural education and livelihoods in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Through this initiative, ABCOAD is not just training the next generation of agribusiness leaders; it is laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous agricultural landscape in the region.
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