The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Foundation has launched the North-West segment of its Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme in Kano, reaffirming its dedication to enhancing food security and uplifting rural populations.
During the inauguration event held yesterday at Rumfa College, Kano, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, highlighted that the programme aims to empower vulnerable farmers-especially women and young people-by providing them with contemporary farming methods, financial education, and improved market access.
She remarked, “This initiative goes beyond mere training; it seeks to transform farming households from subsistence levels to sustainable sources of income and resilience.”
Mrs. Arukwe added, “Our commitment to national progress extends well beyond the energy sector.” Represented by Eugenia Dominion, the Foundation’s Director of Finance, she noted that the programme has already been rolled out in four regions-South-East, South-South, South-West, and North-Central-engaging 7,119 registered farmers, with 7,063 actively involved.
The training curriculum includes topics such as climate-resilient agriculture, soil fertility management, post-harvest techniques, cooperative development, and the use of digital technologies for agronomy and marketing.
Mrs. Arukwe emphasized that the sessions will be hands-on, blending theoretical lessons with practical demonstrations and collaborative group activities, supported by translators to ensure accessibility for all participants.
In a message of support, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Bashir Sanusi, praised the programme’s timely implementation.
He lauded the NNPC Foundation’s visionary approach and noted that the initiative complements Governor Abba Yusuf’s agricultural transformation strategy.
Under the governor’s guidance, Kano has rejuvenated irrigation projects, provided subsidies for farming inputs, encouraged mechanization, and empowered thousands of smallholder farmers, with a focus on women and youth.
Dr. Mahmoud stated, “This programme is a significant stride toward ensuring food security, reducing unemployment, and mitigating climate-related impacts,” and pledged the state government’s unwavering support for the Foundation’s efforts.
