French Embassy Supports Agribusiness Training at Audu Bako College

The Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), Kano State has witnessed a major milestone in empowering its students through a comprehensive agribusiness training program.

The initiative, launched on October 7, 2024, in collaboration with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aims to strengthen agricultural skills among students.

French Embassy Empowers ABCOAD Students

The French Ministry and IITA have targeted 500 students at ABCOAD for this specialized agribusiness training.

The training is part of the Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship (WATEA) program.

This initiative is designed to promote gender equality, with 80% of the participants being female.

Focus on Technical Skills and Internships

The training covers essential areas such as competency-based technical skills, internship opportunities, and practical agribusiness support.

This ensures that students are equipped with the right tools to thrive in the agricultural sector.

Support for Women in Agriculture

Mrs. Munnira Jibrin, the IITA Desk Officer for Kano State, emphasized the French government’s commitment to helping youth build vital agribusiness skills.

She highlighted the importance of providing women with the necessary support to run successful agricultural businesses.

Building Self-Reliance

M. Ado Rabo, representing the head of IITA in Kano, pointed out that the program’s primary goal is to train more women, helping them to become self-reliant.

By focusing on women, the program aims to create a lasting impact on female entrepreneurs in agriculture.

Kano State Commissioner Commends the Initiative

Dr. Yusif Ibrahim Kofar Mata, the Commissioner of Higher Education, expressed his appreciation for the program’s emphasis on female empowerment.

He encouraged students to take advantage of this opportunity and develop entrepreneurial skills.

He further urged the college to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure effective implementation of the training.

Gratitude from ABCOAD’s Provost

The Provost of ABCOAD, Prof. M.A. Wailare, thanked the French government for facilitating the training.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Kano State government in enhancing the college’s educational infrastructure.

Prof. Wailare encouraged students to apply the skills they acquired through the program, underlining the value of practical application.

A Step Towards Agricultural Leadership

This agribusiness training represents a critical step towards fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance among students, particularly women.

The WATEA program equips students with skills that position them as leaders in the agricultural sector.

Collective Commitment to Agricultural Growth

The support from the French government, along with the backing of local authorities, shows a collective commitment to advancing agricultural practices and supporting women’s empowerment in Kano State.

The event attracted a notable audience, including traditional rulers, college officials, and government representatives, demonstrating a shared goal of improving agricultural education and livelihoods in Nigeria.