The Rivers State Government has approved a comprehensive Youth Agribusiness Training Programme aimed at empowering young people, strengthening food security and driving sustainable economic growth across the state.
The approval, granted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, underscores the administration’s resolve to reposition agriculture as a viable, profitable and youth-driven sector, while addressing the twin challenges of unemployment and economic diversification.
According to the state government, the programme is designed to equip youths with practical skills, modern agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial capacity across key agricultural value chains. These include crop production, livestock farming, aquaculture, agro-processing, agribusiness management and agricultural technology.
By focusing on hands-on training and mentorship, the initiative seeks to move young people beyond subsistence farming into commercially viable, market-oriented agribusiness ventures. Participants will be exposed to modern farming techniques, value addition processes and agribusiness best practices, enabling them to become self-reliant and competitive contributors to the state’s economy.
Officials said the programme aligns with Governor Fubara’s broader vision of youth empowerment, job creation and economic resilience. With agriculture recognised as a critical driver of inclusive growth, the training is expected to open new income streams for youths, reduce dependence on white-collar jobs and encourage innovation within the agricultural sector.
Beyond individual empowerment, the initiative is projected to have wider socio-economic benefits for Rivers State. Increased youth participation in agriculture is expected to boost local food production, reduce food shortages, stabilise prices and strengthen rural economies. By promoting value addition and agribusiness development, the programme also aims to create employment opportunities along the agricultural supply chain.
The training is scheduled to hold from January 19 to 29, 2026, at the School-to-Land Authority, Centre of Excellence, Rumuodomaya, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, with daily sessions commencing at noon.
The Rivers State Government has urged interested youths with a genuine passion for agriculture and agribusiness to take advantage of the opportunity, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of the state.
Signed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Victor Kii, the statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector, empowering the youth population and laying the foundation for a more prosperous Rivers State.
