By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

No fewer than 43 people have benefitted from an agricultural scheme and empowerment programme put together by the lawmaker representing Abeokuta South State Constituency 1, in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Lukman Olajide Atobatele.

According to the lawmaker, the empowerment scheme was to reduce food shortage and provide employment for the teeming youths.

Atobatele, who is the Deputy Minority Leader of the Assembly said the empowerment programme was in fulfillment of part of his electioneering promises to the people.

Atobatele who was speaking while hosting the 43 graduates of the agricultural empowerment programme at the State Legislative Quarters, enjoined the beneficiaries to put into good use, every knowledge learnt at the agricultural training and skills acquisition scheme.

“This is a fulfilment of one of my campaign promises centered on youth engagement and empowerment. Apart from benefitting people in my constituency and state, this is also to reduce unemployment and food shortage in the country”.

“It is important for all lawmakers and leaders to assist the government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals which centred on food crisis and unemployment. They are vital and important for our societal growth and when youths are gainfully employed, it helps to reduce crime rate and impact the economy positively”.

Mr Afolabi Orekoya, who represented the governorship candidate of the PDP in the last election, Chief Ladi Adebutu said youth engagement and empowerment are some of the cardinal programmes of his party.

He commended the selflessness of Atobatele, saying the programme is a good effort aimed at boosting agriculture in the state.

Chief Adebutu promised to support the beneficiaries in his own capacity.

Atobatele later presented a token of N30,000 to each graduate while three of them at the venue were offered employment to work on his farm.

The graduates who were full of praises to Atobatele while sharing their experiences at the three months training, said the scheme equipped them with various soilless farming techniques like hydroponics, aeroponics, and deep water culture.