Graduants of the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EYiA) soilless farming training and empowerment programme held in Awowo in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State have been encouraged to put the knowledge gained in the course of the training to good use by becoming gainfully employed while they also contribute to addressing the challenges of food insecurity currently facing the country.

Chairman, Education Committee, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Adigbe, Abeokuta, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola made the call at  the parting reception organised  for the fifth batch of 1,000 participants who participated in the three-month  programme which is expected to hold every quarter until the last quarter of 2025.

Aikulola who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment said the programme which is sponsored by the Master Card Foundation in partnership with Soilless Farmlab is a rare privilege which equips participants with latest strategies on hydroponics, empowers graduants to start and formalize their farm businesses.

“This training on hydroponics or soilless farming is a great opportunity that must be well utilized. It is not all the time you get a training programme like this which also empowers beneficiaries to the tune of millions of naira like Master Card Foundation has done.

After this training I do not expect you to still be job hunting when you have been given all you need to start and formalise your business. 

“This system of farming is capable of transforming you into millionaires if you are truly focused. The present situation of soaring food prices and insufficient food across the country shows that there is a need that you can meet profitably while contributing to the development of the country. Above all , you must be purposeful and intentional about your life, ensuring, integrity underscores your actions and relationships " Aikulola stated.

He lauded Master Card Foundation for organising the programme stressing that more organisations should emulate the Foundation by organising programmes which would uplift the youths into wealth and address rising unemployment in the country.

In his address, the Parish Priest, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Adigbe, Abeokuta, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Oyebola, represented by his Associate, Rev. Fr. Saviour Edim harped on the need for the graduands to put God first in all their endeavours and dealings and be ambassadors of Christ everywhere. 

Also speaking, Assistant Facility Manager, Soiless Farm lab, Awowo, Mr. Emmanuel Arare said Master Card Foundation plans to train  and empower 12,000 participants on soilless cultivation of crops through  the EYiA noting that in the course of the training each participant would be paid a stipend of N120,000 over the course of the three month, and  their businesses registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) while each group of 50 participants would be empowered with four green houses.

He stated that the programme which started in 2023 has so far  benefitted 5,000 people  from across the country adding that interested participants between the age of 18 and 29 years for male as well as females who are between 18 and 35 years could register via https://sfarmlab.com/EYiA/to participate in the programme.

In their contributions, two of the graduands, Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka and Miss Joy Anurika lauded Master Card Foundation and Soilless Farmlab for the  programme noting that they have been well equiped to grow their businesses.