The State of Osun, southwest Nigeria has concluded plans to send no fewer than 50 graduates who are beneficiaries of the state’s Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) to Germany where they will acquire skills and knowledge on mechanized farming for 18 months.
This piece of news was disclosed on Thursday in Osogbo, the state capital by Mr. Eniibukun Oyewole who is the coordinator of the scheme.
Oyewole who said the gesture was aimed at empowering the youths to practice mechanised farming, said that the overseas training was to motivate and encourage youths in the practice of agriculture that was fast becoming unpopular.
“The beneficiaries will be able to train other youths when they return and put into practice farming skills that will boost food production in the state and the country at large,” he stated.
On the selection of the participants, Oyewole stated that only degree and HND holders in agriculture-related courses were selected for the training.
He also added that the move among others, was aimed at reducing unemployment related crimes in the state. “The present administration in the state is working toward empowering every youth in all the nook and crannies of the state so that the society will be free of social vices associated with unemployment,” he noted.
Oyewole said preparations for the take off of the beneficiaries to Germany had been concluded while the training would commence in early 2013.