Niger Delta Affairs Minister Urges Empowerment Scheme Beneficiaries To Build Capacity In Communities

Usani Uguru Usani

From: Dianabasi Effiong

Usani Uguru Usani, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has charged beneficiaries of the Ministry’s empowerment scheme to build capacities in their communities through backward integration and run profitable enterprise that will engage other women and youths in their localities.

The Minister gave the charge at the convocation of trainees on capacity building and empowerment in Agriculture, Poultry, fisheries, and other value chain in Abia, Akwa-Ibom , Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states held at the Senate Chambers of the University of Calabar.

“My challenge to you today is to practice what you have learnt and contribute to the food security of the region and nation, at large,” he said.

According to Usani the training and empowerment programme is a continuous exercise and that those who have been agitating for inclusion should be reassured that their voice have been heard, noting that they will be considered in subsequent batches.

“Therefore, I have no doubt that you were exposed to the finest resource persons and facilitators during this programme, you were equally provided with conducive learning environment at the University of Calabar.”

The Minister who was represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mr Ndiomu Philip further urged the beneficiaries to “become established enough to contribute  towards the training of other Niger Deltans for the enhancement of their value chain, thereby making them more useful in the region'”.

No fewer than 180 women and youths have been trained at the Institute of Oceanography University of Calabar with additional 90 in the first and second batch by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.