By Terna Chikpa
Former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (T.Y. Danjuma), on Tuesday commissioned the Agricultural Innovation Centre in Takum, his hometown, to boost employment opportunities and food production through modern agricultural practices in Taraba State.
Speaking during the event, the former Minister of Defence said his decision to invest in the project was aimed at discouraging youth migration in search of jobs, training farmers in modern farming techniques, and connecting local produce to international markets.
According to Danjuma, the centre will also engage youths in agri-tech skills and agro-processing while providing women with access to training, support, and opportunities to expand their farming businesses.
“This centre is built to discourage youth migration in search of job opportunities. It is designed to train farmers in modern techniques, support cutting-edge research, provide mechanisation and storage facilities, and connect local produce directly to international markets.
“The centre will engage youths in agri-tech skills and agro-processing. It will also provide women with access to training and support to expand their farms,” Gen. Danjuma stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of Takum Local Government Council, Hon. Benjamin Bako, commended General Danjuma for his unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and job creation in Taraba State, particularly in Takum LGA.
The council chairman described the centre as a transformative initiative for youths and a major step towards enhancing food security and increasing rural incomes across the state.
Bako called on farmers, stakeholders, and students to take advantage of the centre and acquire agro-allied skills that would empower them to become employers of labour.
