In an effort to empower members of the society to self-reliance, Don Lulu Foundation has trained no fewer than 600 Abia youths and women on modern agriculture and methods to improve yield.
The agricultural empowerment exercise took place in conjunction with Lehae Farms limited.
At the graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries who were drawn from all ages and gender, their trainer Dr Emmanuel Mgbekwute revealed that the empowerment scheme which started earlier this year has its oldest student at 70 years and its youngest at 18 years.
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This is the first set of beneficiaries to graduate from this exercise since it was launched this year, ABN TV gathered.
At the training which had in participation persons from various communities, beneficiaries were trained on rearing and production of agricultural products.
King of Ezeoba, Oba Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna was among those who facilitated the training.
According to Dr Mgbekwute, the students completed their scheme of work on agricultural training as designed by the founder of Don Lulu Foundation, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe stated that he was concerned by the poverty rate in the country, noting that it prompted him into thinking of ways to alleviate the scourge by empowering people.
“This is a little idea that has blossomed into what we are seeing today. According to the data we have in Nigeria, 60 per cent are in perpetual poverty. This is a sad situation. Our people are hardworking so what is keeping my people from being great? I thought about it and found out that empowerment can go a long way in bettering the lives of my people.
“I found out that agriculture will enrich the lives of people and provide the people with handiwork. We provided 60 participants in training and setting up their farms. With this, our people will become major suppliers and distributors of agricultural products.
“I sincerely thank the Oba for the free donation of land, I thank the facilitators. Don Lulu’s Foundation is of humanity and we must continue to educate and equip our people with what is needed to make our dreams a reality”, he said.
Eze Nwokenna thanked the people who graced the event, revealing that he was the first pro-chancellor of the University/foundation while stating that he, also, graduated from the School.
“I want to thank my son and friend, Mayor Igbokwe for having the mind to equip the people. You stated, in your speech, that you weren’t doing this for fame but you saw the level of poverty that your people were in and decided to step in and help.
“I want to thank the graduands for always coming for the training. The Mayor has paid 45 per cent of the total amount to start-up in equipping the people. There are a lot of people that will be moved to do this with what has been accomplished today.
“The Mayor never mentioned he wanted to contest for any election but to better the lives of his people. But it will be in your goodwill to support him if he decides tomorrow to contest for any election. The Mayor also mentioned that this process will continue in two senatorial districts, the Abia North and South,” he concluded.
Others who attended the event include, HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, Oba of Ekeoba ancient kingdom, HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, Oroko Abia, Diawa 1 of Umudiawa, chairman Ohuhu Council of traditional rulers, HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, Eze Paul Uzuegbu, Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, Deputy Chairman of the Umuahia North LGA Bob Agbugba, Chief Uche Aguoru, Chief Charles Ugochinyere and a host of others.
