NGO Partners With IITA/ACAI To Train Arochukwu LGA Youths On Weed Management

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), known as Ukoha Global Initiative, is partnering with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI), to train youths of Arochukwu LGA and individuals on Cassava Weed Management.

Speaking at Ozu Abam Civic Hall on Wednesday 29th July, 2020, the Coordinator IITA/ACAI, Mr. Peter Chukwu, explained that the training on SSP, for Cassava Weed Management, will help the trainees to understand different ways of agricultural approach, which will help them to tackle those impediments in their farming activities.

He further stated that focus will be targeted at the Spray Service Provider (SSP), which according to him, requires the trainees to learn it well, for their usefulness.

Mr. Chukwu thanked the Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Onyekwere Mike Ukoha, who through his NGO, is partnering with the organization, saying that the Lawmaker’s interest in Agriculture, will be much beneficial to his people in future.

In his own speech, the Extention Agent for Abam, Mr. Laz Nze, hinted that the Spray Service Providers, when trained, can help their Cassava farm and also make money by working for people on their farmland.

He further explained that the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), based in Ibadan and African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) are partnering with the Ukoha Global Initiative to train the youths on Cassava Weed Management.

Speaking earlier, the Minority Whip/member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Ukoha, explained that his interest in Agriculture, pushed him to partner with IITA/ACAI, through his NGO, hinting that agriculture is the way forward.

The Minority Whip, who was represented during the training, by his Media Assistant, Mr. Chimezie Okoroafor, promised to continue to empower his people through agriculture.

He thanked all who participated in the training and advised them to utilize what they have learnt to assist in their Cassava farms and also to make money for themselves.

On his part, one of the trainees, Mr. Jude Amadi Okorie, thanked Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha, for using his NGO, to train the youths on Agriculture through IITA/ACAI.

Mr. Okorie, lamented that their challenge on Agriculture, is that of road network, pointing out that Ndi Oriema, Ndi Ukansi, Alimini site, are always under attack by the Herdsmen.

He, therefore, call on the Lawmaker, to use his good offices to intervene on the matter to enable them go to their various farmlands freely.

In his vote of thanks, Sir Gabriel Idika Okorie, the Vice President Abam Development Union, thanked the Minority Whip/member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, on his numerous interventions.

He explained that what the Lawmaker has done, in Agriculture and other interventions, will always be remembered forever, and thanked the trainees for finding time to come.

The training which first took place in Ihechiowa on Tuesday 28th July 2020, will continue in Arochukwu on an appointed date.