The National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, has successfully concluded a one-week intensive training for youths and women from the Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency, Lagos State. The training, held on NCAM’s campus, was designed to equip participants with critical skills in agricultural mechanization. This initiative, tagged Skill Development, Empowerment, and Start-Up for Unemployed Youths in Ibeju Lekki Ikorodu, Lagos East, Lagos State, is part of the Centre’s 2024 appropriation budget and is aimed at addressing the challenges of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

The training program was an initiative spearheaded by Honourable Olusegun Adebayo Balogun, the Honourable Member representing Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency. Participants benefited from NCAM’s state-of-the-art training facilities, experienced instructors, and serene learning environment. NCAM’s high-standard accommodations were also utilized for the program, ensuring a comfortable stay for all attendees throughout the training.

At the closing ceremony held earlier today, Engr. Mrs. M.B. Makanjuola, Director of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at NCAM, provided a detailed overview of the training content. She emphasized that the knowledge imparted to participants during the program would play a significant role in their empowerment and self-reliance.

Engr. Dr. Y.S. Ademiluyi, Director of Engineering, who represented the Executive Director, Engr. Dr. Kamal Abdulgafar Rasheed, commended the participants for their dedication and success in completing the training. He described them as worthy ambassadors of NCAM and highlighted the Centre’s continuous commitment to developing innovative solutions for agricultural mechanization. Dr. Ademiluyi also stressed the importance of such initiatives in eradicating poverty and unemployment while ensuring food security is in line with the federal government’s agenda.

In his remarks, Mr. Rahman Fatai, a representative of the graduating participants, expressed gratitude to the federal government, Honourable Olusegun Adebayo Balogun, and NCAM for the life-changing opportunity. He assured that the knowledge and skills gained during the training would be put to practical use, contributing to both personal and national development.

As a Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Mechanization, NCAM remains committed to providing training in various aspects of mechanized farming, further solidifying its role in national development and capacity building in the agricultural sector.

For more information on NCAM’s activities and upcoming training programs, visit www.ncam.gov.ng