From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has partnered with JustSnails Africa to train youths in Ekiti State on livestock farming.
The partnership aims to create jobs, alleviate poverty, eradicate hunger, boost livestock farming, and ensure food security through poultry and fish farming initiatives.
Speaking at the end of a two-day training in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, the Chairman of FIRS, Zaccheus Adedeji, explained that the programme was designed to empower youths to become self-reliant, achieve financial independence, and contribute to the country’s economic growth by increasing its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), among other benefits.
Adedeji, represented by Mrs Benedicta Akpana at the event, noted that the project is a South West initiative covering three states: Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo. Each state has 20 beneficiaries, totalling 60 youths. While training has been completed in Oyo and Ekiti States, the Ondo State session is still pending.
He stated that the FIRS, primarily responsible for tax collection, embarked on this project as a way of giving back to society. He emphasised that the training would enable youths to become entrepreneurs, enhance economic development, and reduce unemployment-related insecurity.
“Change is the only constant thing. People know FIRS for collecting taxes, but thanks to the new leadership under Dr Zacch Adedeji, we are also giving back to the society. We don’t only collect; we also give,” he said.
“That is why we came up with this initiative to empower youths to become self-sufficient. Government cannot provide for everyone, and not everyone can depend on government to survive. You can do what you can for yourself.
“This training equips youths with knowledge in livestock farming, including poultry and fish farming, enabling them to become entrepreneurs. This not only makes them responsible but also reduces unemployment and insecurity.
“We are grateful for this initiative, which is happening for the first time through Dr Zacch Adedeji’s leadership. Though you can’t feed everyone, you can feed one person, who in turn will feed the next, creating a cycle of support.
“This initiative targets 60 youths in the South West, with Oyo and Ekiti already completed. We will move to Ondo next. After the training, participants will receive a token to help them start their businesses, and we believe they will become productive members of society.
“My advice to youths is to take this opportunity seriously. Such opportunities don’t come every day. Make good use of it, remain consistent, and keep learning.
“Our facilitators, who have decades of experience in poultry farming, will also provide follow-up support to help participants succeed. As you grow, you empower others, contributing to GDP growth. And when your business succeeds, FIRS will eventually collect taxes from you,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of JustSnails Africa and convener of the training, Femi Oludare Rowland, said the partnership with FIRS aims to empower youths, enhance food security, provide jobs, eradicate hunger and poverty, and renew interest in agriculture.
“The purpose of the training is to equip youths in livestock farming, agriculture, and fish breeding. The major goals are food security, job creation, and the eradication of hunger and poverty.
“We have partnered with FIRS, which is known for tax collection, to give back to society. After the training, incubation centres will be set up to empower participants further, enabling them to start their ventures.
“The youths must look beyond today and return to agriculture and farming. This is the way forward. It’s not just about technology and entertainment; farming is essential. No farmer, no nation,” Rowland concluded.