A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. John Ayomipo, has trained and empowered 50 women and youths in organic farming in Wassa Community.
The three-day training, held on Friday at Wassa Community and the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Apo, Abuja, was part of Ayomipo’s Community Development Service (CDS) project titled “Green Futures.” The initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Heinrich Böll Foundation Nigeria, Be The Help Foundation (BHF), and the Alliance for Action on Pesticides in Nigeria (AAPN).
Speaking at the event, Ayomipo explained that the training aimed to equip participants with skills to grow food organically, without the use of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) or hybrid GMO seeds, through techniques such as vertical gardening, sack farming, composting, and natural pest control.
“The project is designed to build local capacity and educate the community on sustainable organic farming practices. It focuses on advocacy and capacity building, particularly for women and youths in Wassa Community and the IDP camp,” Ayomipo said.
He added that participants would also learn about urban farming practices and receive starter kits, including manure, tomato, corn, sweet potato, and other crop seedlings. The initiative supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Speaking at the event, Mr. Donald Ofoegbu, Senior Programme Manager at Heinrich Böll Foundation Nigeria, praised the youth-led initiative, describing it as a model for community-driven, climate-friendly solutions. “We urge the community to stop using HHPs and embrace organic farming for better health and nutrition,” he said.
Mr. Geoffrey Bitrus, Chairman of Wassa IDP Camp, welcomed the project, stating, “This programme brings joy to our community. We thank the organisers for this support.”
The Village Head, Mr. Danjuma Kabari, also commended the initiative, noting that it would improve local farming practices.
Beneficiaries, including Miss Chidinma Nnaemeka and Aisha Amadu, expressed gratitude to the organisers and pledged to apply the knowledge gained. “We are happy to be trained in organic farming practices for a healthier living,” they said.
The training featured practical sessions on sustainable urban farming, organic pest control, use of organic manure, and advocacy for communal farming, aiming to strengthen local food systems and promote climate-friendly agriculture in the community.
