The Adamawa State Government has trained 100 members of cooperative societies on briquette compressed block production under its waste-to-wealth initiative.
Hammajumba Gatugel, the state Commissioner for Entrepreneurship Development, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the training on Friday in Yola.
According to Gatugel, the initiative is designed to empower beneficiaries from 10 Local Government Areas of the state, reduce poverty, and enhance self-reliance.
“The initiative is a ‘waste-to-wealth’ intervention that promotes environmental protection by converting agricultural and biomass waste into alternative energy sources. I urge you to effectively utilize the skills acquired and step down the training in your respective local government areas, as you all can become employers of labour,” he said.
Gatugel reiterated the ministry’s readiness to supervise the beneficiaries, noting that starter packs would be provided to them, and warned against the sale of items meant for the programme. He commended Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for establishing the ministry to drive training and empowerment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
In his remarks, Mr Kwaji Duguri, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said the training marked the conclusion of an intensive capacity-building programme for cooperative members on homegrown technology.
Duguri added that the programme aligns with the Fintiri administration’s commitment to empowering rural dwellers, diversifying sources of livelihood, and supporting policies to curb deforestation.
“Currently, there are policies in the state, including a ban on cutting trees. This alternative energy initiative will provide cleaner sources of energy while protecting our environment,” he said.
Zainab Bode, the ministry’s Director of Cooperatives, said the training equipped beneficiaries with skills to produce, use, and market biomass briquettes, thereby creating jobs and wealth in rural communities. She urged beneficiaries to step down the training within their respective cooperative societies.
Dr Rakiya Inuwa, speaking on behalf of the cooperatives, thanked the state government for the training and pledged to make judicious use of the initiative to earn a living.
It was reported that highlights of the event included cash presentations and the distribution of briquette production machinery to participants.
