Abuja: The government has trained and empowered its retired officers in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on entrepreneurship skills development and agro-allied enterprises. Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated this at the 5th Edition of the Entrepreneurship Skills Development on Agro-Allied Enterprises in Abuja. The training and empowerment program was for officers who retired from the ministry in 2024.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogunbiyi congratulated the retirees on the successful completion of their years of service to the ministry and the country. He noted that the training program is both a recognition and celebration of their service and investment in continued productivity and relevance beyond public service. The event aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan of 2021-2025, which provides a clear policy direction on enhancing staff welfare, capacity development, and post-service support. One of its key pillars emphasizes improving the value proposition of civil servants by ensuring that officers are adequately prepared for retirement and equipped with sustainable livelihood skills.

Ogunbiyi highlighted that agriculture presents opportunities with the growing demand for food and agricultural products. The enterprises are capable of creating jobs and supporting livelihoods within communities. By engaging in agribusiness, retirees can continue contributing to national development while securing sustainable income and financial independence. The ministry aims to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of its workforce during and after active service, encouraging staff to view agriculture as both a government responsibility and a viable business opportunity that aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda for food security, economic diversification, and poverty reduction.

The focus of the 5th edition of the program on viable enterprises in poultry, fishery, vegetable, and potato farming and processing was described as strategic and relevant. Earlier, Mr. Udo Effik, the Director of Reform Coordination, Service Improvement, and Innovation, remarked that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, which aims for food sovereignty, employment generation, wealth creation, and inclusivity. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that starter kits in poultry, fishery, vegetable, and potato were presented to the retirees.