FG Empowers Plateau Youths with Free 6-Month Poultry Farming Training

In a significant effort to boost youth empowerment and agriculture, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a free, six-month poultry farming training program for 120 young people in Plateau State. News Agency of Nigeria

The initiative is driven by the National Youth Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF) under the IDEAS Project — Innovation, Development, and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills. News Agency of Nigeria

Why This Training Matters

According to Dr. Daniel Jarafu, CEO of VetVille Nigeria Limited (one of the training service providers), the program is a deliberate federal effort to empower youth with practical, income-generating skills. News Agency of Nigeria
The goal is for participants to become skillful, self-sufficient, and even employers of labor, which would support the country’s economic growth. News Agency of Nigeria

What the Training Entails

The program is structured into two phases:
1. Three months of theoretical instruction — where trainees learn the fundamentals of poultry farming. News Agency of Nigeria
2. Three months of practical training — hands-on work on poultry farms, applying the theory in real-world settings. News Agency of Nigeria
Upon completion, trainees will take the National Skills Qualifications (NSQs) Examination. News Agency of Nigeria
Those who pass will earn a national certification, considered equivalent to formal education certification. News Agency of Nigeria

Encouragement and Support

Prof. Arhyel Balami, the Guest of Honour at the flag-off event, praised the initiative for equipping young people with hands-on agricultural skills and giving them a path to sustainable livelihoods. News Agency of Nigeria
He urged the trainees to be diligent, to attend consistently, and to pay close attention throughout their training. News Agency of Nigeria

Bigger Vision: National Youth Empowerment

The NYESAF aims to train 75,000 youths across Nigeria through similar programs. News Agency of Nigeria
This initiative is part of a larger government strategy to foster entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic independence among young Nigerians. News Agency of Nigeria
Ultimately, it’s a strong signal of the government’s commitment to equipping youth with essential skills that can contribute to national development. News Agency of Nigeria

Final Thoughts

This poultry training program is more than just a skills workshop — it’s a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian youth. By combining theory with practice and offering a nationally recognized certification, the government is not only helping young people build careers but also creating the foundation for a more self-reliant and agriculturally productive generation.