WorldStage Newsonline– The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, the NNPC Foundation, has trained farmers in Nsukka, Enugu state, on modern agricultural techniques and market access strategies.
Speaking in Nsukka on Tuesday during the three-day training for vulnerable farmers, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the foundation, said the training formed part of the organisation’s commitment to food security, economic empowerment, and national development.
She stated that it is dedicated to implementing impactful programmes that align with national priorities and support the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda aimed at achieving food security.
“This training is a testament to our unwavering commitment to food security, economic empowerment, and national development.
“As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Ltd, the NNPC foundation is committed to implementing impactful programmes that align with national priorities.
“This initiative is part of our broader efforts to support the federal government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance food security, increase productivity, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
“As we gather here today, we must acknowledge the pressing reality of food insecurity in Nigeria,” she said.
She cited the Cadre Harmonisé Report (March 2024), which estimated that 31.5 million Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones are currently facing food insecurity.
“These statistics underscore the urgent need for sustainable agricultural interventions that not only boost productivity but also build resilience against climate change, supply chain disruptions, and economic fluctuations,” she added.
Arukwe, who was represented by Mrs Goodnews Willie, Deputy Manager of Education and Healthcare Programmes at the foundation, emphasised the importance of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy.
“At NNPC Ltd, we recognise that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (2024).
“Yet many farmers remain trapped in subsistence-level production due to limited access to modern techniques, quality inputs, and competitive markets. This training is designed to change that narrative.
“Through this initiative, we will train 6,000 vulnerable farmers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in modern, climate-resilient farming techniques, soil and water management, organic fertilisation, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies.
“Our goal is to equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production,” she said.
Declaring the training open, Mr Patrick Ubru, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, commended the foundation for supporting farmers.
Ubru described the training as a vital opportunity to equip smallholder farmers with modern agricultural skills and market strategies.
“By focusing on climate-smart agriculture, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for our farming communities.
“I encourage all participating farmers to engage fully in this programme. This is your opportunity to learn, share, and grow together in modern farming.
“Let us work hand-in-hand to build a resilient agricultural sector that thrives on innovation and collaboration to ensure food security in the country.
“With partners in agriculture like the NNPC foundation, we can transform the agricultural landscape of Enugu state and beyond,” he said.
The Commissioner further disclosed that Gov. Peter Mbah would continue to prioritise agriculture as a central pillar of his administration to support farmers and guarantee food security across the state.
Also speaking, Prof. Michael Uguru of the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and one of the resource persons, said the were farmers drawn from the six local government areas of Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
“They were trained in best practices for growing crops under prevailing climatic conditions.
“The farmers were trained on climate-smart agriculture, which involves adopting appropriate techniques to grow their crops profitably and sustainably under changing climate conditions.
“We taught them practical, manageable methods to improve their farms and ensure bountiful harvests,” he said.
In an interview, Dorothy Ugwu, one of the participants from the Ibegwa-Ani community in Nsukka Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to the foundation for the training, which she said taught her many things that would help her achieve a bumper harvest.
“This training is coming at the right time, just as the farming season begins. I have learnt a lot, and I promise to teach other farmers in my community what we were taught here by the NNPC foundation,” Ugwu said.
