The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, through the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) in the Office of Rural Development, has intensified the Lagos State Government's efforts to empower rural dwellers with the Year 2026 Livestock Training and Empowerment Programme, held today at the CERUD Centre, Epe.
In his keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, reaffirmed Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu's commitment to building an economically viable Lagos State through business-friendly initiatives designed to equip youths with entrepreneurial skills and empower them to become productive contributors to the State's economy.
Agbaje noted that the livestock training and empowerment initiative forms part of the State Government's sustained commitment to youth empowerment and rural development. He explained that the programme is one of several empowerment initiatives embarked upon by CERUD across the five divisions of the State over the past month to create sustainable livelihoods and promote economic inclusion.
He urged participants to make the most of the opportunity provided by the Lagos State Government through the 2026 Livestock Training and Empowerment Programme, stressing that the best way to appreciate the Governor's commitment is to apply the knowledge acquired, establish viable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Lagos State.
In her special remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for fostering an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while continually investing in programmes that equip youths with practical skills for self-reliance.
She stated that the training and empowerment programme reflects the State Government's commitment to empowering rural communities with the requisite knowledge, technical skills and tools needed to improve livelihoods, reduce rural-urban migration and advance the THEMES Plus Agenda of making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director and Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), Mr. Musibau Balogun, expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support towards the empowerment and sustainable development of rural communities across Lagos State.
Balogun encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity by putting the knowledge and empowerment materials received into productive use, noting that the initiative would not only improve their standard of living but also stimulate economic growth within their respective communities.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Olusegun Sanni from Epe expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for extending the livestock empowerment programme to youths and livestock farmers in the division. He assured the Government that the beneficiaries would utilise the skills and empowerment support judiciously and ensure that the positive impact of the initiative is felt throughout their communities.
The training and empowerment programme featured practical sessions facilitated by seasoned livestock professionals, including Mr. Abdullah Abdus-Saheed, a livestock expert; Mr. Krapeh Anthony, a piggery farmer; and Mrs. Hassan Rofiat, a renowned snail farmer. The facilitators exposed participants to modern livestock management techniques, best production practices and business opportunities within the livestock value chain.
The programme attracted a large number of youths and aspiring livestock entrepreneurs from across the Epe Division, further underscoring the Lagos State Government's commitment to promoting rural development, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
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