ZAL Farms, an initiative of ZAL Group, has graduated fifty Niger Delta University students in innovative farm production techniques, including those in the Agro-YIELD program, and is focused on empowering them with skills and access to resources for successful agricultural ventures.
The internship students, who underwent six months of intensive training, were trained in the areas of soil-less and open farming, animal husbandry and innovative agriculture among other areas.
Speakers who took turns to appreciate the management of Zal farms for bridging the agricultural gap, tasked trainees to make good use of the knowledge gained.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Zal Farms Limited, Mr Ayibakuro Zigha noted that Zal farms limited partnered with Nigee Delta University to make students self-reliant and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector.
Mr Zigha, who described agriculture as a viable path to diversifying the stateās economy from dependence on oil revenue, announced automatic employment to any of the trainees willing to work in the company.
Also speaking, lawmaker representing Sagbama Constituency two in the State House of Assembly, Retired Colonel Benard Kenebai, noted that the program was inline with the ASSURED agenda of food sufficiency.
Retired Colonel Kenebai, noted that the prosperity mantra of the present administration would be easily achieved when the people of the state are equipped with different skills that will not only make them self-reliant but also employers of labour.
On his part, Dean of the faculty of Agriculture, NDU, Professor Prince Ebiowei Kainga, appreciated Zal farms for the intensive training and encouraged the participants to engage in large-scale farming to enhance their well-being calling for more partnerships like this.
In remark, General overseer of the Refined Peopleās Assembly, Pastor Daddy-Ken Bitere, who encouraged the grasuants not to despise the days of humble beginnings, urged them to leverage on the capacity building as an opportunity to be self-reliant and be employers of labour.
Earlier the trainer, Miss Grace Ukpevie-Francis, who noted that the training equipped participants with the operational skills to establish their own businesses, urged them to put into practice the knowledge they have acquired.
In his Appreciation message, one of the graduates Mr. Selekeowei Bright Pamowei expressed joy over the opportunity to gain practical skills in soilless farming and green house set up, he thanked the management of ZAL farms for the noble idea of empowering students with innovative skills needed for the sector.
Highlights of the event was the tour of the farm, presentation of gifts to the graduates and cutting of the birthday cake in honour of the CEO Mr. Ayibakuro Zigha.
