The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority has inaugurated the 2024/25 Graduate Youth Empowerment Programme with the aim of boosting food sufficiency in the country.

Speaking at the inauguration programme held at the Authority’s headquarters on Wednesday 22nd, January 2025, the Managing Director/CEO of the Authority, Engr. Dr Adedeji Ashiru, FNSE, FNImechE, FNIWE said the Authority recognise the importance of investing in the young people in its catchment area, with the aim of developing them.

“As an organisation, we recognise the importance of investing in our young people, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Our mission is to develop and manage water resources, providing safe and adequate water for domestic, industrial, agricultural and environmental purposes, including flood control. The GYEP is a crucial step towards achieving this mission, equipping our graduates with the skills and knowledge required to excel in agriculture” he said.

Ashiru said the Authority through the programme wish to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing the youth with a platform to gain practical experience and build their professional network.

He said the Authority believe by empowering the youth, we can drive economic growth, reduce poverty and promote sustainable development in the country.

The Managing Director who congratulates the fifty participants carefully selected said they would undergo hands on training sessions covering topics such as: orientation in agribusiness and its value chain, cage fishing and cage construction, catfish processing and other critical aspects of agricultural production and management.

He said the participants after the training will receive a start up capital through a cooperative system monitored by the Authority. This initiative he said is to help them establish their own agricultural business and contribute to the Nation’s food security goals.

The Managing Director seized the opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his innovative leadership and for making food sufficiency number one goal of his agenda. He also thank the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev and staff of the Authority for their support at ensuring the success of the programme.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Agricultural to the Governor of Ogun State, Dr Angel Adelaja- Kuye congratulated the participants for their selection out of the numerous people that applied.

She implored the participants to see their selection as opportunity that can change their lives, noting that the integrated and agriculture business training they will undergo could help them become employers of labour if well utilised.

She hopes the participants drive their business in Ogun State after their successful training, assuring that the State would liaise with the management of the Authority on how to support the participants.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Executive Director, Agriculture Services, Mr Noah Alamu said the programme is the initiative of the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation with the aim of creating employment and boost food production in the country.

The elated participants, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the Honourable Minister and the management of Ogun- Oshun River Basin Development Authority for the wonderful opportunity. They promised not to take the opportunity for granted.

The participants were later decorated, after which a memorandum of understanding was signed to formally commence the programme.