The Ebonyi Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has trained 100 youths in digital literacy and electronic agricultural marketing systems.
The training, organised on Wednesday in Abakaliki, aims to equip participants with skills to leverage online platforms for marketing agricultural produce and developing agribusinesses.
The participants were selected across eight local government areas in Ebonyi State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the State Programme Coordinator of the VCDP, Mr. Sunday Ituma, represented by the Agriculture Production Officer, Mr. Darlington Onele, described the training as a unique opportunity designed to empower young people with digital agricultural marketing skills.
He urged the participants to regard their selection as a privilege and make the most of the opportunity by applying the knowledge gained to improve their livelihoods.
Also speaking, Dr. Victor Chukwu, the Management Information System Officer (MISO) for the programme and a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Management and Extension at Ebonyi State University, said the training focused on enhancing digital literacy.
“The initiative complements the agricultural development efforts of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.
“The training was made possible through the state government’s prompt payment of counterpart funds for the programme.
“The governor has recorded notable achievements in the agricultural sector, including the distribution of about 31,000 bags of fertiliser, improved seed varieties, herbicides and other agrochemicals to farmers across the state.
“There is a need for Ebonyi, as an agrarian state, to expand markets for its agricultural products through digital platforms.
“Ebonyi produces some of the best rice, yam, cassava and potatoes in the country. There is a need to market these products beyond the state using electronic and digital media platforms,” Chukwu said.
In a presentation, the National Management Information Officer (NISO), Mr. Kayode Idodo, exposed participants to the various marketing opportunities available on digital and social media platforms.
He said digital technology has transformed business globally, adding that many successful agricultural businesses now rely on online platforms to reach wider markets and increase sales.
Also, the Business and Marketing Development Officer, Mr. Okoro Agwu, educated the participants on emerging business opportunities available through social media.
Agwu encouraged the youths to maximise the use of their smartphones and digital tools to establish profitable online businesses capable of transforming their economic fortunes.
The resource persons, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbonna and Mr. Uchenna Agidi, educated the participants on the technical application of digital literacy skills to achieve desired business goals on media platforms.
Responding on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Francisca Agha, the Rural Institution, Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Officer (RIGMO), urged them to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to explore business opportunities in the digital economy and contribute to the growth of Ebonyi’s agricultural value chain.
Mrs. Abigail Igwe, also speaking on behalf of the participants, thanked the organisers and promised to utilise the knowledge derived from the training.
