Beneficiaries of the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) have appealed to the state government to uphold the programme to provide more Deltan youths with sustainable means of livelihood.  

The appeal was made in a telephone interview with some of the beneficiaries recently.

Speaking with Mr. Akpoboro Christian who hails from Agharho in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA), he said he was appreciative of the Okowa-led administration for the privilege given him to grow his Piggery farm.

He said since he received support in form of inputs/support from the state government as a Brown YAGEPreneur, he has expanded his business, obtained hectares of land and has achieved a lot as a result of the training.

Mr. Christian commended the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer for their efforts at ensuring the success of the programme, stressing that if the programme is continued and well managed, Delta youths will always have a means to put food on their table.

He advised all YAGEPreneurs to take their businesses seriously in order to live better lives.

On the part of Mrs. Morrison Helen Ewoma, a graduate of political science   who hails from Uzere in Isoko south, she said the state government has done well by making her an employer of labour.

Mrs Ewoma said she is a trained fish farmer and has diversified into Poultry farming. She added that the business is very lucrative and that she has acquire a land of her own from the proceeds from her enterprise.

She urged her co-beneficiaries to stay focused and not to sell off their starter packs.

Also speaking, Mr. Afejuku Moses who hails from Warri North LGA said he was trained in 2018 under Brown YAGEP in Fish Production. He said he was given one pond, 1000 fingerlings and cash as support package and since then his business has grown to a very large extent.   

He encouraged his co-beneficiaries to maintain hard work to take their businesses to enviable heights.

For Mrs. Oveisi Oreva, a graduate of Statistic who hails from Warri south Local Government Area, she is immensely grateful to the Governor of Delta state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the assistance she got.

She said she was trained in 2016 under Green YAGEP in Fish Production. She emphasized that the empowerment programme, especially fish production has not only created jobs for previously unemployed youths, but have helped to improve the economic situation in the country.

Mrs. Oreva said the programme afforded her the opportunity to become her own boss and a trainer, adding that she has trained many youths in Fish Production.

Promise Ogana

Assistant Communication Officer

OCJCO