By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Dr.Esther Audu.
A transformative wave has swept through Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja,as Liberty Hub International Limited organized an intensive training programme aimed at redefining agriculture as a business venture, not just a means of survival.
The event, which took play on May 3,was attended by government officials, stakeholders, and hundreds of farmers, therefore marking a turning point for agripreneurs across the state.
Delivering a stirring welcome address, Dr. Audu Esther,emphasized that the time had come for Nigerian farmers to move from subsistence to sustainability, from survival to success.
“We are not just growers of crops,we are creators of value,” she declared, urging farmers to adopt the mindset of CEOs.
Our reports that through Liberty Hub’s intervention, the training introduced participants to modern agribusiness practices, including technology-driven solutions that turn farms into wealth-creating enterprises.
According to Dr. Audu, “Agriculture contributes over 20% to Nigeria’s GDP. That is not just statistics,that is us.”
She stressed that with the right tools and policies, farming can reduce imports, empower rural communities, and create jobs.
The training offered practical steps toward transforming farming into a career path for young people.
By tackling unemployment, reducing rural-urban migration, and inspiring pride in agricultural labor,she expressed optimism that the initiative aims to reposition farmers as essential drivers of national development.
One of the standout benefits of the programme is the Farmers Health Insurance Scheme, which, according to Dr. Audu, should be activated immediately in Kogi State.
“Only a healthy farmer can produce healthy food,” she said, urging Liberty Hub to collaborate with hospitals to deliver this life-changing service.
The programme also promises continued mentorship, seasonal market access, and healthcare support to registered, active farmers.
This, according to organizers, will serve as an engine for sustainable community development and self-reliance, reducing dependence on government handouts.
In her call to action, Dr. Audu urged farmers to become trainers of others, not just beneficiaries of knowledge. “Leave with more than a certificate,leave with purpose,” she said, challenging participants to create legacies for future generations through agribusiness.
To development partners, she appealed for timely empowerment and support beyond the training, emphasizing that “training without empowerment is like planting without watering.”
Her passionate plea also extended to government officials to invest more in agriculture by providing credit, mechanization, and farm security.
The message of the event is clear: a nation that fails to support its farmers jeopardizes its own survival. However, one that empowers them not only feeds itself but builds an enduring legacy for generations to come.
As the event closed, attendees said they left energized, not just as farmers, but as future agripreneurs, prepared to feed Kogi State and Nigeria, grow the economy, and secure the future.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
