2nd Batch Agriprenuership Start-up Scheme Training Commences

By Florence Adewale

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has commenced the training of selected Civil Servants for the 2nd batch of the Agriprenuership Start-up Scheme.

The Scheme is in line with the present administration’s priority on Inclusivity: Drawing on all skill bases and Pillar 6 of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation plan (FCSSIP25), which is aimed at enhancing the value of Civil Servants.

Declaring the programme open in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, in the office of the Head Service of the Federation Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, says the Scheme is aimed at providing opportunity for Civil Servants to be more innovative in utilizing multiple streams of income through agriculture and its value chain.

He said this became necessary as permitted by the Constitution and the revised Public Service Rules (PSR), while preparing prospective retirees for life after Service.

‘According to him ‘The programme is not merely a venture; it is a testament to our belief in the potential that lies within each individual regardless of their professional background”.

The Permanent Secretary also noted that Agrepreneurship opens doors to new opportunities, harnessing the untapped potential in agriculture and entrepreneurship sectors that are vital for sustainable development and economic growth.

He stated further that, four Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs), namely the OHCSF, Federal Ministries of Health, Aviation and Aerospace and the State House, with about Ninety-Eight (98) trainees are presently participating in the programme.

The Permanent Secretary, SWO thanked key stakeholders and partners which includes; the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and selected farmers for their invaluable contributions towards the actualisation of the Programme.

In a goodwill message,
the Administrator, Public Service Institute of Nigeria Dr. AbdulGaniyu Obatoyinbo stressed that entrepreneurship and commercial orientation is a must have for all Civil Servants. He also said that holding on to a skill or vocation is an avenue for creating wealth.”If you cannot create wealth, you will be poor,” he opined.

Representative of the participants, Mr. John Esabu said there is no longer fear in retirement as the scheme will enable retirees cope with life after service, and boost their wellbeing.

The theoretical component of the training, which will run from 20th to 24th November, 2023, is being handled by PSIN, while the Hands-on practical Training will hold at selected farms from 27th November to 8th December, 2023.

The Bank of Agriculture, will also provide loans to beneficiaries of the scheme at the end of the training.

PR