By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna.
As part of efforts to resolve and key into the federal government’s diversification of the economy, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has shifted attention of its barracks’ community, especially youths to agriculture.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who launched ‘Barrack Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture’ (BYETA) at the NAF base in Kaduna on said, the move was geared towards youth empowerment and employment generation.
The Air Chief, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum, said as part of the federal government broad objectives to diversify from the oil sector, the NAF had also not wasted time in keying into the programme of the present administration.
He said the inauguration of the youth empowerment programme was a testimony and fulfillment of the NAF resolve to key into Mr. President’s policy on diversification to other sectors especially agriculture.
The programme, he said, was designed to engage the youth in productive ventures such as poultry, fishery and crops farming that would enable them live meaningful lives independent of their parents or guidance.
He enjoined parents and guidance to regularly monitor the progress of their wards in order to achieve the maximum success rate of the programme.
While urging the youth to make good use of the opportunity to empower themselves and contribute to the economic development of the nation, he commended President Buhari for his support towards the NAF saying if not for his support, all the achievements recorded would not have been possible.
On his part, the Commander, 335 Base Service Group, Air Commodore Bello Garba, said the initiative was launched to further drive the home the message of self-reliance and the directive given by the CAS for all secondary schools establish a demonstration farm which he said would prepare the youth to be self-reliant.
He noted that in compliance with the directive, the 335 Base Service Group has established a BYETA association with an initial membership of 25 youths at its inception on 30th August, 2016 to 98 registered members including 35 engaged in fish farming, 25 in poultry, 26 in livestock and 12 in crop farming.
