Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering the people of Ebonyi as he welcomed the second batch of graduates from the N3 million Agriculture Value Chain Empowerment Program in Abakaliki, the state capital.
The 100 beneficiaries, trained in advanced agricultural practices at Agbani Farm in Enugu State under the Francis Nwifuru Empowerment Programme (FONEP), completed a rigorous two-month program sponsored by Mastercard Skills. This initiative aims to revolutionize agriculture in the state by equipping participants with cutting-edge techniques and entrepreneurial skills.
Speaking through the State Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, Governor Nwifuru expressed his administration’s resolve to uplift the lives of Ebonyi residents through impactful empowerment programs. He highlighted the seamless success of the training and reiterated his commitment to building a prosperous and self-reliant Ebonyi.
Governor Nwifuru revealed that over ₦300 million had already been disbursed to the first batch of beneficiaries, who are now running thriving farming businesses across the state. Addressing the graduates, he announced that each would soon receive their ₦3 million startup fund to launch their agricultural ventures.
“You are the second batch beneficiaries of the FONEP agriculture empowerment program,” the governor stated. “The first batch successfully graduated, each receiving ₦3 million to start their farming business. Very soon, you too will receive your alerts for ₦3 million each. Most importantly, we are grateful that everyone returned from the training safe and healthy.”
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Governor Nwifuru also used the occasion to reiterate his pledge of a ₦150,000 Christmas bonus for state workers and assured that his administration would sustain the agricultural empowerment program as a cornerstone of its development agenda.
The leader of the second batch beneficiaries, Mr. Patrick Aligwe, alongside participant Lovelyn Ali, praised the governor for his generosity. They highlighted the stipends, free accommodation, and excellent training support provided during their stay at the training center. The beneficiaries also extended gratitude to Mrs. Ann Aligwe and the executive council members for their roles in the program’s success, pledging to apply their newfound knowledge to transform Ebonyi’s agricultural landscape.
