Tension is gradually building in Abia State after a group of young agricultural trainees accused the state government of neglecting them following the completion of a joint empowerment programme organised in partnership with the Federal Government.
The affected youths, numbering about 28 and drawn from 17 local government areas across the state, participated in an agricultural training programme held in Osun State in November 2024.
According to the trainees, the programme was designed to equip them with practical agricultural skills and support them financially to begin production and commercial farming after the training period.
However, months after returning to Abia State, the youths claim they have received no financial assistance despite reports that funds were approved by the state government for the project.
They alleged that officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as well as the Ministry of Agriculture have yet to release the support meant to help them establish their agricultural businesses.
The situation reportedly became more frustrating after over 300 other Abia youths who participated in a similar programme in Nasarawa State were said to have already received full government support.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ogbonnaya Peter said the trainees have been left stranded since completing the three week programme. He expressed concern that Governor Alex Otti may not even be aware of their situation and appealed directly to him for urgent intervention.
Peter said the group remains hopeful that the government will fulfil its promises and help them put the knowledge gained during the training into practical use.
Responding to the allegations, the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the trainees.
According to him, the state government is currently working on the necessary structure to properly absorb the beneficiaries into its ongoing agricultural and youth empowerment programmes.
He revealed that some members of the group had already contacted him personally and assured them that the government had not forgotten them.
The commissioner also appealed to the youths to remain patient while the process is being completed. He further advised them not to allow themselves to be used for political propaganda or actions capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.
