Group Urges government to engage women, youths in agriculture

The Arewa Youth Trust Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation, has charge government at all levels to engage the nation’s women and youths in agriculture and skill acquisition.

The Team Lead of the foundation, Dr Fahad Chikaji, gave the charge on Monday at a sensitisation programme for women and youths at Kugu Village in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Chikaji said with the right education and training in specific skills, in addition to the nation’s potentials in agriculture, unemployed women and youths could easily become self reliant.
He said it had become obvious that government alone could not provide employment for all Nigerians.

According to him, with adequate training and right infrastructure in place, people can get engaged and become self-employed.
Chikaji described women and youths as the backbone of any society but said they must not rely on the government to achieve their goals and dream in life.

“Education is key to success. It can be formal, non-formal and informal. The knowledge, if given to them, can enhance self respect and dignity.
“Self-reliance motivates women and youths from within and gives them the ability to take care of themselves without waiting for the government or any other person,” Chikaji said.

He said: Government at all levels can harness the nation’s economic potential and focus more on agriculture to boost local economy.
“Again, they can explore the potential in climate change and how it can be harnessed through biodiversity.
“In spite of far climate change exploits on nature, government should also focus more on supporting the citizens through ‘Bio’ initiatives programmes.

“Such programmes would give the people the needed tools to explore opportunities available to develop eco-friendly support systems to better their lives.
“We need a change of narrative, a lot of opportunities for the citizenry can be attained by giving them the right knowledge, training, skills and awareness on the effects of climate change on the global economy.”