FG, Bago Bet on Hydroponics to Create Jobs, Boost Food Security
The Federal Government’s agricultural diversification agenda and Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s green economy vision have received a significant boost as 100 youths, women, and agripreneurs on Monday began a three-day training on hydroponic farming in Minna.
The training, themed “Empowering Youths and Women Through Modern Agriculture,” is holding in Maikunkele area of Minna and is scheduled to end on Wednesday.
It is designed to equip participants with practical skills in modern soilless farming techniques as part of efforts to promote food security, job creation, and youth empowerment in Niger State.
The programme is organised by Amaiza Enterprise Company Limited, Nigeria Polytechnic Foundation (NIPOF), Luqknight Limited, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), in collaboration with the Niger State Agency for Green Initiatives (NG-SAGI).
Participants drawn from youths, women, farmers, agripreneurs, students, cooperatives, and community groups are being trained on hydroponic system setup, seedling production, nursery management, nutrient management, water conservation techniques, sustainable farming practices, agribusiness development, and women-led hydroponic enterprises.
Welcoming guests and participants to the event, the Secretary/Legal Adviser of Amaiza Enterprise Company Limited, Mr. Abubakar Isa Mariri, said their organisation remains committed to promoting innovative agricultural practices among women and youths.
He said the training was part of efforts to reposition agriculture as a viable source of livelihood and economic empowerment for young Nigerians.
Also speaking, Dr. Babangida Albaba of NIPOF, described agriculture as a sector with enormous untapped potential, adding that their foundation would continue to support initiatives that promote practical skills development.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the training, while commending the organisers for their commitment to agricultural development.
The Provost of Fati Lami Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies (FLAILAS), Minna, Dr. Amina Usman, expressed delight that the institution was selected as a pilot centre, noting that some of its students were among the trainees.
She assured that the institution would integrate lessons from the training into its agricultural activities, adding that FLAILAS would soon establish its own plant nursery to sustain practical learning.
In his remarks, Dr. Zakari Abdullahi of NIPOF said polytechnics must move beyond theory and become active drivers of technological and agricultural innovation.
He noted that the empowerment programme demonstrates how technical institutions can bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world agricultural solutions, particularly in creating employment opportunities for youths and women.
The Director General of NG-SAGI, Dr. Habila Daniel Galadima, lauded Governor Bago’s green economy agenda, noting that the training aligns with the state’s broader agricultural transformation drive.
He recalled that Niger State in 2023 hosted its first Green Economy Summit and established NG-SAGI as part of efforts to institutionalise sustainable development.
According to him, the hydroponic farming initiative would help address food insecurity and reduce youth restiveness, adding that the state government has already trained 360 youths in hydroponic technology.
Representing the Niger State Commissioner for Agriculture, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, highlighted the state’s vast agricultural potential, stressing that agriculture remains the most viable pathway for youth empowerment.
He said participants would gain practical knowledge that would enable them become self-reliant after the training, adding that reliance on white-collar jobs alone is no longer sustainable.
“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.
He urged participants to embrace agriculture as a pathway out of poverty, noting that hydroponic farming offers huge income potential even on small spaces.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Aisha Adamu, Managing Director of Amaiza Enterprise Limited, said the training was aimed at unlocking the potential of smart agriculture among youths and women in Niger state.
She noted that hydroponic farming provides a practical solution to land scarcity, conflicts between farmers and herders, and unemployment challenges.
Dr. Adamu added that the programme reflects her organisation’s commitment to giving back to society by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that can be adopted in limited spaces such as rooftops and backyards.
She urged participants to maximise the opportunity, describing agriculture as the future of economic empowerment in Nigeria.
Hajiya Aisha Jimada Mohammed, President of Kayan Gona Farmers’ Foundation, commended the organisers for exposing participants to modern farming innovations.
Mrs. Mary Tukura, Secretary of the National Alliance for Women and Youths in Support for Good Governance, said she was impressed by the quality of the programme and particularly excited about the lessons on organic farming.
Meanwhile, in their expectations from the programme, some of the trainees expressed optimism about gaining life-changing skills that would enable them start independent agribusiness ventures immediately after the training.