The Federal Government has trained and empowered retired officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in entrepreneurship and agro-allied enterprises.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, announced this on Thursday in Abuja during the 5th Edition of the Entrepreneurship Skills Development Programme for Agro-Allied Enterprises. The programme targeted officers who retired from the ministry in 2024.
Ogunbiyi congratulated the retirees on their dedicated service to the ministry and the nation. “This training programme is both a recognition and celebration of your service, and an investment in your continued productivity and relevance beyond public service,” he said.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, which emphasizes enhancing staff welfare, capacity development, and post-service support. “One of its key pillars focuses on improving the value proposition of civil servants by ensuring that officers are adequately prepared for retirement and equipped with sustainable livelihood skills,” he added.
Highlighting the opportunities in agriculture, Ogunbiyi said, “These enterprises are not only profitable but also capable of creating jobs and supporting livelihoods within our communities. By engaging in agribusiness, our retirees can continue to contribute meaningfully to national development while securing sustainable income and financial independence.”
He added that the 5th edition of the programme strategically focused on viable enterprises in poultry, fishery, vegetable, and potato farming and processing. “Through this initiative, the ministry demonstrates its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of its workforce both during active service and after retirement. Agriculture is not only a government responsibility but also a viable business opportunity that aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda for food security, economic diversification, and poverty reduction,” he said.
Earlier, Mr. Udo Effik, Director of Reform Coordination, Service Improvement, and Innovation, described the initiative as timely and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at ensuring food sovereignty, employment generation, wealth creation, and inclusivity.
Starter kits in poultry, fishery, vegetable, and potato farming were presented to the retirees as part of the programme.
