From HASSAN JIRGI, Damaturu
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Foundation has flagged-off the North East phase of its Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme.
The Managing Director of NNPCL Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe disclosed this at the flag-off ceremony at the Federal College of Education, Technical, Potiskum.
She said the firm reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen food security and uplift rural communities.
Emmanuella noted that the initiative was designed to equip vulnerable farmers, particularly women and youths with modern agricultural techniques, financial literacy and access to markets.
According to her, this programme is not just about training, it is transforming households from subsistence farming to sustainable income and resilience.
She said the programme reflects our commitment to national development that goes beyond energy” she stated.
The managing director, represented by Bala David, stated that the project has been implemented in four zones; South East, South South, South West, North Central and recently , the North East region, where it registered 11,00 farmers, with 900 actively participating.
He explained that the training will feature modules on climate-smart agriculture, soil management, post-harvest handling, cooperative formation and digital tools for agronomy and marketing.
He also emphasised that the sessions would be practical, combining lectures, demonstrations and interactive group work. Translators would be on hand to ensure inclusivity.
He added that, “this is a testament to the lives transformed, commitment strengthened and hope renewed. We aim to equip vulnerable farmers, especially women and youths, with practical skills and market knowledge that can move households from subsistence to sustainable income and greater resilience”, she said.
He also added that the training was intentionally practical. Each day features expert lectures, hands-on demonstrations and group sessions where farmers learn techniques.
There will be daily Q&A forums, clinic sessions and opportunities to share experiences and strengthen cooperative linkages. Our facilitators will ensure that learning is directly applicable on the farm.
“As we flag-off the North East phase of this important journey in Potiskum, let us renew our shared commitment to excellence, measurable impact and empowerment. Let this phase stand as a model of success and a beacon of progress for the North East and for Nigeria as a whole.”
Speaking to AljazirahNigeria, some of the beneficiaries lauded NNPCL Foundation for its foresight and stressed that the initiative will reduce the unemployment rate in the region due to insurgency.
“This initiative represents a bold step towards achieving food security, tackling unemployment and addressing climate-related challenges across the region.”
