In a bid to enhance productivity and foster self-reliance among retirees, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe has distributed starter packs to retired employees of the ministry, based on their areas of interest.
Addressing participants at the 4th Edition of the Entrepreneurship Skills Development on Agro-Allied Enterprises held at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) in Abuja, Umakhihe emphasised that the empowerment initiative aligns with the ministry’s commitment to realising the four priorities of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. These priorities include ensuring food security, fostering economic growth and job creation, eradicating poverty and promoting inclusiveness.
The permanent secretary highlighted the workshop’s goal of empowering retirees to be self-sufficient and productive, contributing to the Ministry’s core mandate. He encouraged participants to embrace continuous learning, resilience and innovation, urging them to complement the ministry’s efforts in ensuring food availability for ordinary Nigerians.
Umakhihe commended the resource persons for providing valuable insights into the logistics and mechanisms of poultry, vegetable, and potato farming.
The director of reform coordination, service improvement and innovation, Mr. Udo Effik emphasised the workshop’s significance in driving the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25). The focus areas of the workshop included poultry, vegetable and potato farming, with the ministry aiming to harness the acquired knowledge to promote food sufficiency and economic growth.
In response, the deputy director of the department of rural development, Engr. Ayodele Julius speaking on behalf of the retirees, expressed gratitude to the ministry’s management for the initiative. He described the preparation for retirement as a “gift for life,” emphasising that the starter packs provided would be put to good use by the retirees.
