More than 300 youths trained under a Taraba State agricultural skills programme say they are yet to receive promised allowances, startup support, and other benefits a year after completing the training.
- More than 300 youths trained under a Taraba State agricultural skills programme say they are yet to receive promised allowances,...
- The youths were selected from the state’s 16 local government areas and taken to Lafia, Nasarawa State, in June 2025...
- The youths also questioned why a total of N15 million was reportedly transported in cash from Jalingo to Lafia and...
- Nicholas Oliver Namessan, pushed back against claims of neglect.
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The youths were selected from the state’s 16 local government areas and taken to Lafia, Nasarawa State, in June 2025 for a 14-day agricultural training programme organised through the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Trainees Demand Allowances, Startup Support
According to the participants, they were promised a daily allowance of N50,000, startup kits, startup capital, and an opportunity for the top 50 trainees to travel to India for advanced training in seed technology.
Speaking in Jalingo, several trainees who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal said those promises have yet to be fulfilled.
The youths also questioned why a total of N15 million was reportedly transported in cash from Jalingo to Lafia and demanded clarification on the balance of their allowances.
They appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to intervene and ensure the objectives of the programme are not undermined.
The trainees added that the governor’s good intentions should not be frustrated by individuals whose actions could jeopardise the programme.
Ministry Defends Training Programme
The Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Prof. Engr. Nicholas Oliver Namessan, pushed back against claims of neglect.
In a statement released through the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Kwarve Eric, he said the government successfully organised and funded the training of 300 young Tarabans in Lafia, Nasarawa State, providing them with valuable agricultural knowledge and practical skills.
“This achievement demonstrates the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural development,” he said.
India Trip, Outstanding Benefits
On the cancelled India trip, Namessan explained that the selection process and sponsorship arrangements changed due to technical requirements and agreements with partner institutions.
He said the selection criteria and sponsorship arrangements evolved based on the availability of qualified candidates, technical requirements, and agreements with partner institutions.
“The Commissioner and the Ministry of Agriculture remain committed to Governor Agbu Kefas agricultural transformation, youth empowerment, and the development of Taraba State. The concerns of participants are legitimate and deserve attention, but they should be addressed based on facts, transparency, and due process,” Namessan said.
He urged residents to give the ministry room to issue a full update on outstanding obligations linked to the programme.