By Tony Ezike
An Agro Skill Transfer training of Aqua Bio Resources for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has commenced in Awka, Anambra State.
The training holding from 26 – 30th August 2024 is being organised by the Director General South East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife CON, in Collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology. It is yet another window of opportunity for existing and prospective entrepreneurs in Anambra State.
The training which was facilitated by the Most Distinguished Senator will enable participants acquire knowledge on various entrepreneurship skills such as Fish Farming, Mushroom farming, Crayfish farming, including processing, packaging and marketing.
A Representative of the Permeant Secretary Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology Abuja, Nkole Ogbuagu described the training as a necessity and encouraged participants to venture into entrepreneurship skills and make a living out of it.
Mr Nkole stated that SMEs can enhance their productivity by taking advantage of new technologies and skills like the ongoing Agro Skill Transfer Training to become more productive, by enhancing yields in aquaculture and related bio-resource activities. This he said can help them meet market demands for their investments more effectively.
Speaking on the essence of the training which is to allow Youths and women benefit from Entrepreneurship Development and Business Opportunities associated with it, the Zonal Director South East National Board for Technology Incubation, Dr Mrs Clarice Chijioke stated that entrepreneurship is what drives every economy.
Speaking further, she noted that with improved skills and technologies, SMEs can produce higher-quality products that meet the standards required for export. This higher-quality products according to her will open up new markets and opportunities for growth beyond local sales.
Delivering a presentation on Entrepreneurship Development and Business Opportunities, Dr Chijioke spoke on how a product or idea can be turned into a profitable venture.
Similarly, Oyarebu Ahmed who delivered resource materials on Fish Farming, noted that the system has gained popularity due to its profitability and the increasing demand for fish as a source of protein.
He urged participants to venture into the fishing business expressing the ministry’s readiness to support them.
Expressing their feelings, some of the Participants at the training, namely; Ndidi Amobi and Larry Onwudinjo appreciated Senator Uche Ekwunife for giving them access to such life changing opportunity and promised to impact the society positively.
On his Part, Ndubisi Akabuogu while commending the Director General of SEGOF for attracting the training said that the participants have gained new knowledge and skill which they will use to increase their source of income. He however called for prayers and maximum support for the Senator to enable her continue touching lives.
In her remarks, Ekwunife who spoke through her representative Mr Chike Obuekwe described the technology transfer training as a sustainable practice that reduces the environmental impact of aquaculture, which ensures the long-term viability of the bio-resources and can also appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Ekwunife noted that as SMEs grow due to enhanced productivity and market reach, they can potentially create more jobs in the community, adding that it not only boosts the local economy but also reduces unemployment in Anambra State.
She further disclosed that the transfer of technology skills in aqua bio-resources is expected to significantly boost the performance, sustainability, and competitiveness of SMEs in Anambra State, while contributing immensely to the broader economic development of the region.
Participants were also exposed to other lucrative packages of the training, which includes Job creation, access to funding, capacity building, risk mitigation, and improved competitiveness in their chosen areas of the skill training.
