The Shield Africa Sustainability and Development Initiative has successfully graduated participants of its 2025/2026 Shield Africa Farmers' Academy (SAFA) cohort in Benue State, following a six-month free fish farming training programme. The initiative specifically targeted youths and women from Oju Local Government Area, equipping them with practical skills in fish production and farm management.
Partnership with University Enhances Training
The programme was delivered in collaboration with the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Training modules covered fish production techniques, water quality management, farm operations, and agribusiness development. This partnership ensured that participants received both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience essential for establishing successful fish farming enterprises.
Graduation Ceremony Highlights
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Shield Africa President Mrs. Osenaga Orokpo, represented by the Head of Operations, Mr. Prince Umobuarie, emphasized the programme's role in bridging the gap between agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial opportunity. She stated, "The future of food security depends on how well the present generation is equipped to produce, innovate, and lead within the agricultural sector." Mrs. Orokpo further noted that the initiative addresses systemic barriers that have historically limited youth participation in agriculture by integrating capacity building with access to inputs, production support, and market linkages.
Start-Up Packages for Graduates
Beyond the training, Shield Africa provided each graduate with an empowerment package comprising start-up capital and fingerlings, enabling them to immediately establish fish farms. The items were presented by Dr. Augustine Adaikwu, Head of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi. This support is designed to reduce the initial financial burden and accelerate the transition from training to active production.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Two beneficiaries, Edigbo Peret and Odigiri Victor, expressed deep gratitude to Mrs. Orokpo and the organization's board, describing the programme as transformative. Both pledged to apply their new skills to build profitable fish farming businesses and contribute to broader food production efforts in Nigeria. Their testimonies underscore the programme's impact on individual livelihoods and community food security.
Stakeholders Emphasize Importance
Stakeholders present at the graduation noted that programmes like SAFA are essential to reducing unemployment and improving agricultural output, particularly in rural communities where access to formal training and capital remains limited. By empowering youths and women with both skills and resources, Shield Africa is fostering a new generation of agripreneurs who can drive sustainable food production and economic growth in Benue State and beyond.
