The Projects Development Institute (PRODA) has reiterated its commitment to promoting agricultural research and development in Nigeria, in line with the federal government’s drive for economic growth through the commercialization of agro-processing equipment.
Speaking at the conclusion of a five-day training program held in the Adamawa Central Senatorial District, the Director-General/CEO of PRODA, Engr. Dr. Peter Ukwudilichukwu Ogbobe, represented by Mr. Kingsley Otobe, commended the initiative spearheaded by the distinguished senator of the district.
He described the training as a strategic step towards empowering participants to unlock the economic potential of agriculture through modern agro-processing techniques.
Mr. Otobe urged the participants to maximize the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, emphasizing agriculture’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
According to him, “Agriculture remains a critical sector for our nation, contributing significantly to our GDP. It is therefore imperative that we embrace local processing and promote the commercialization of agro-processing to enhance productivity and economic diversification.”
Highlighting the alignment with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he noted that PRODA serves as a key vehicle in advancing this vision by supporting innovative projects that drive agricultural development and economic self-reliance.
He assured participants of PRODA’s unwavering commitment to agricultural research and development, underscoring the institute’s readiness to partner with stakeholders to promote the commercialization of agro-processing equipment in Nigeria.
In his speech, the facilitator, Distinguished Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Dr. Gambo N. Job, stressed the importance of the skills acquired during such programs.
He stated, “This initiative is aligned with Mr. President’s agenda on food sufficiency, and I urge all participants to leverage this training to contribute to food production in Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.”
Senator Abbas further assured his constituents of ongoing efforts to empower them with valuable skills, announcing plans for an upcoming training program on solar power installation. This initiative, he explained, aims to diversify skillsets and enhance self-reliance within the senatorial district.
The senator wished all participants safe travels back to their respective destinations, expressing optimism about the transformative impact of the training on their communities.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Galaxy Global Crystal Nigeria Ltd., Dr. Kabir Maliki, a key stakeholder in the project, praised the seamless collaboration between PRODA and Galaxy Global Crystal Nigeria Ltd. while commending Senator Abbas for initiating the training.
He expressed optimism about the program’s long-term benefits, noting that the training aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for food sufficiency in Nigeria.
Dr. Maliki outlined the three pillars of the initiative: the construction of infrastructure, the installation of agro-processing machines, and youth skill development training.
He noted that all three components of the program had been successfully executed, with the training representing the final and most critical phase.
Encouraging participants to apply the skills acquired, Dr. Maliki added, “I urge all participants to channel the knowledge gained into personal development, entrepreneurship, and job creation within their communities.”
