dBy Ismail Azeez
The Ondo State Government has disbursed over N15 million to 100 poultry trainees to support the establishment of their businesses.
The government through the Ondo State Agribusiness and Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), presented the cheques to the beneficiaries in Akure, marking the completion of the second batch of the Adiye Irorun Initiative.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the OSAEC Chairman, Wemimo Akinsola, explained that all participants were drawn from the northern axis of the programme, adding that beneficiaries from the southern and central zones would receive their grants after completing their training.
He disclosed that plans were underway to establish a state-owned hatchery to ensure steady supply of chicks for farmers and sustain the programme.
Akinsola further explained that the initiative would help reduce the cost of chicken and create employment opportunities for youths across the state.
He indicated that the government intends to expand the initiative and had already acquired 100 ponds to train youths in fish farming in the coming months.
Reacting, officials of the agency and stakeholders commended the trainees for their commitment, urging them to utilise the grants effectively and apply the knowledge gained to improve their livelihoods
“The goal is to boost local chicken production so that food vendors can source poultry within the state instead of going elsewhere,” he revealed.