The Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation Ltd, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to empowering rural farmers and strengthening Nigeria’s food security through practical agricultural training and support.
Arukwe said this at the official flag-off of the Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme for the North-East Zone in Potiskum, Yobe State.
She said the initiative demonstrates NNPC Foundation’s commitment to national development beyond the energy sector.
“Today, we gather not only to launch another phase of this programme, but to reaffirm our shared commitment to securing Nigeria’s food future and uplifting our rural communities,” she said.
According to her, the training programme, which has covered five geopolitical zones South-East, South-South, South-West, North-Central, and North-West has already reached and supported over 11,000 farmers nationwide. She said, “Each phase has strengthened our conviction that empowering farmers is one of the most direct and lasting ways to secure Nigeria’s future.”
Arukwe noted that the North-East phase focuses on equipping vulnerable farmers, especially women and youth, with skills that can transform households from subsistence to sustainable income levels.
“The objective of this programme is clear. We aim to equip vulnerable farmers, especially women and youth, with practical skills and market knowledge that can move households from subsistence to sustainable income and greater resilience,” she said.
The modules, she said, will cover climate-smart agriculture, soil management, post-harvest handling, financial literacy, cooperative formation, and digital tools for market access, with translators on hand to ensure inclusivity for participants speaking Hausa and other local languages.
Describing the programme as “intentionally practical,” Arukwe said each day would feature expert lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and cooperative strengthening sessions to help farmers apply the techniques on their farms.
“To our farmers, I urge you to be active participants. Ask questions, test new ideas, and take ownership of your learning. The true success of this programme will be seen in higher yields, fewer post-harvest losses, stronger cooperatives, and better livelihoods for all,” she charged.
She expressed appreciation to the Yobe State Government, traditional leaders, facilitators, and development partners for their continued collaboration and support.
“Together, we are building stronger communities and advancing Nigeria’s food security,” she said.
Arukwe urged participants and stakeholders to make the North-East phase “a model of success and a beacon of progress” for the region and the country at large.
“May this programme inspire you and open doors to a more prosperous future for our farmers, our families, and our nation, Nigeria,” she concluded.
The event was attended by the Yobe State Governor, the Commissioner for Agriculture, the Emir of Fika, Potiskum Local Government Chairman, Executive Directors of the NNPC Foundation, facilitators, and hundreds of farmers from across the North-East.