Hope and celebration filled the Isuada Agribusiness Empowerment Centre in Owo as the Ondo State Government officially empowered the first batch of young beneficiaries under its flagship Adiye Irorun poultry scheme, signalling a bold stride towards youth economic inclusion and food security.
The ceremony, marked by the presentation of cheques and emotional testimonies, heralded the commencement of cash disbursement for beneficiaries from the Northern Senatorial District, with participants from the Central and Southern districts set to receive support in the coming weeks.
A participant, Miss Excel Emmanuel, described the programme as a valuable learning opportunity.
“It is a privilege to be part of Adiye Irorun. I have acquired significant poultry knowledge and earned ₦200,000. I am grateful to the state government and OSAEC,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Salaudeen Elejire, another beneficiary, expressed appreciation for the support.
“I gained valuable knowledge and received ₦200,000. This empowerment will serve as my starting capital for poultry farming,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr Wemimo Akinsola, described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the future of Ondo State’s youth, aligning with the vision of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to expand agribusiness opportunities across the state and promote youth self-reliance.
He explained that the programme, which runs for a full calendar year, is designed to empower 500 beneficiaries in its first batch, drawn from the three senatorial districts. All participants receive financial support upon successful completion of their training cycles.
According to Akinsola, beneficiaries undergo a six-week intensive practical training during which they are assigned poultry birds to manage under the supervision of trainers, feed suppliers and programme supervisors.
At the end of each cycle, participants off-take the birds and receive financial compensation for their labour and management.
“The objective is to increase protein production in Ondo State while nurturing a new generation of poultry farmers. We want young people to acquire skills, earn income and ultimately establish sustainable agribusinesses,” he said.
Akinsola noted that the scheme is expected to boost poultry production capacity while stimulating allied sectors such as carpentry, pen construction, feed supply and logistics.
“This initiative goes beyond empowerment; it is job creation driven by knowledge. As more batches complete their training, demand for feed, equipment, pens and labour will increase, and the broader economic impact will become more evident,” he added.
He further encouraged participants to save and reinvest their earnings in personal poultry ventures, adding that beneficiaries who complete the third batch will receive certificates of participation, formally recognising their entry into the agribusiness sector.
Expressing optimism about the programme’s sustainability, the SSA said the initiative would inspire many more youths to participate in subsequent cycles.
“With consistent training and structured support, we anticipate that many beneficiaries will become full-time poultry farmers, contribute to protein supply and strengthen the state’s economy,” he said.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries, who expressed appreciation to the state government for the initiative.
Lead farmer, Ajewole Samuel, described the programme as transformational for young people in the state.
“I appreciate the Ondo State Government for conceiving and implementing this impactful initiative aimed at youth empowerment, agribusiness development and economic sustainability.
The knowledge and exposure I gained have strengthened my commitment to agricultural development.
I am grateful to have received ₦500,000 from the programme,” he said.
Another lead farmer, Ojo Emmanuel, commended the government for its sustained commitment to agricultural development.
“This empowerment initiative is advancing agriculture in Ondo State. Since we began last year, we have experienced its positive impact, particularly in improving our agricultural knowledge,” he said.
The Adiye Irorun youth empowerment initiative was launched on Friday, 17 October 2025, in Isuada, where participants commenced hands-on broiler production training fully funded by the Ondo State Government.
Post a Comment