From Justina Asishana, MinnaOne hundred youths and women are undergoing training on hydroponic farming in Minna, the Niger State capital to advance the Federal Government’s agricultural diversification agenda and the state’s green economy vision.
The training, themed, “Empowering youths and women through modern agriculture,” which took place at Maikunkele aims to equip participants with skills in soilless farming techniques to promote food security, job creation, and youth empowerment.
Participants, drawn from youths, women, farmers, agripreneurs, students, cooperatives, and community groups, received instruction on hydroponic system setup, seedling production, nursery management, nutrient management, water conservation, sustainable farming practices, agribusiness development, and women-led hydroponic enterprises.
Secretary and Legal Adviser of Amaiza Enterprise Company Limited, Mr. Abubakar Isa Mariri, said the organisation is committed to promoting innovative agricultural practices among youths and women. He described the training as part of broader efforts to reposition agriculture as a viable source of livelihood and economic empowerment for young Nigerians.
Dr. Babangida Albaba of NIPOF highlighted agriculture’s untapped potential and said the foundation would continue to support practical skills development initiatives. He urged participants to make the most of the opportunity.
The Provost, Fati Lami Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies (FLAILAS), Dr. Amina Usman, expressed delight that the institution was chosen as a pilot centre, with some of its students participating. She said the institute would integrate lessons from the training into its activities and soon establish its plant nursery.
Dr. Zakari Abdullahi of NIPOF emphasised the need for polytechnics to move beyond theory and drive technological and agricultural innovation. He noted that the programme demonstrates how technical institutions can bridge classroom knowledge with real-world solutions, especially in creating employment for youths and women.
The Director-General of NG-SAGI, Dr. Habila Daniel Galadima, commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s green economy agenda, saying the training aligns with the state’s agricultural transformation efforts.
He recalled that Niger State hosted its first Green Economy Summit in 2023 and established NG-SAGI to institutionalise sustainable development.
The hydroponic initiative, he said, would help tackle food insecurity and youth restiveness adding that the state government has trained 360 youths in hydroponic technology.
A representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture/Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, highlighted the state’s agricultural potential and described farming as the most viable path for youth empowerment.
“Niger State is blessed with fertile land and favourable climate. Government is making deliberate efforts to harness these advantages to create jobs and wealth for our people,” he said.
Ahmed urged participants to embrace agriculture, noting that hydroponic farming offers significant income potential even on small plots and reduces reliance on white-collar jobs.
Managing Director, Amaiza Enterprise Company Limited, Dr. Aisha Adamu, who said the training sought to unlock the potential of smart agriculture among youths and women, pointed out that hydroponics addresses challenges such as land scarcity, farmer-herder conflicts, and unemployment, and can be practised in limited spaces like rooftops and backyards.
Participants expressed optimism that the skills acquired would enable them to launch independent agribusiness ventures shortly after the training.
