The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Foundation Ltd/Gte on Saturday concluded the Northern phase of its Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme, empowering more than 15,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria with modern agricultural skills, climate-smart practices, and agribusiness management tools.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the programme, which ran from April to October 2025, was implemented across all six geopolitical zones, over 2,000 beneficiaries in Gombe cluster comprising Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba in climate-smart agriculture. However, for Yobe and Gombe clusters about 4,000 benefitted in North-East, contributing to no fewer than 15,000 across the country.
The NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte is the social arm of NNPC Ltd. It undertakes all Corporate Social Responsibility projects and initiatives on behalf of the company and its subsidiaries.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Saturday in Kaltungo, Gombe State, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, described the initiative as “a national journey toward resilience, food security, and economic empowerment.”
Arukwe who was represented by Dr Bala David, Executive Director Programme Development said, “What began as a bold intervention to strengthen rural livelihoods has evolved into a nationwide movement that embodies hope, resilience, and sustainability.”
Excited over the transformation in the agribusiness of vulnerable farmers, the Managing Director added, “We take immense pride in the lives transformed, the communities empowered, and the future we are cultivating through this initiative.”
Mrs Arukwe commended the support of the NNPC Limited Board, the Foundation’s Senior Management Team, and the host state governments for their partnership, hospitality, and commitment.
“Our 15,000 smallholder farmers are the true heroes of this journey. Their enthusiasm, discipline, and commitment to learning reaffirm our faith in Nigeria’s agricultural future,” she added.
Gombe State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives Dr Barbanas Malle, who was represented by Jonathan Bulus, expressed excitement over the training.
Malle said, “Our presence here shows how excited we are. It’s a great privilege that the programme held in Gombe State and particularly targeting these group of vulnerable farmers. This is a way forward to food security.”
Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, who was represented by District Head of Ture, Garba Ture, lauded NNPC foundation for the initiative, “From the response, you can see it’s well received. The beneficiaries should not toil with this project because future inclusion is dependent on their performance,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Habila Bitrus, expressed gratitude to the NNPC Foundation for the training, describing it as life-changing.
He said, “Before this training, I was farming the old way and getting very little harvest.
“Now I understand how to apply climate-smart techniques, manage my soil better, and even link up with input suppliers. I’m confident that next season, my yield will double. I thank the NNPC Foundation for bringing this knowledge to us.”
Similarly, Sarah Yakubu, said the programme opened new opportunities for women farmers to compete and succeed in agribusiness.
“This training has given me confidence and practical knowledge. I’ve learned how to reduce post-harvest losses, package my produce properly, and access new markets. For many of us women, this is the first time we are being equipped like this. The NNPC Foundation has truly empowered us to farm smarter and dream bigger,” she added.
