Benue Govt to ensure adequate food security,  create jobs, stimulate economic growth

…Engages 120  Youths On Live TV Agric Talent Hunt Show 

By Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Benue State Agricultural Development Company, ADC, has vowed to ensure adequate food security, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the state.

The state government equally organized a live television program for youths in Benue State to express their talent in the agricultural value chain. 

The two day event is held on Saturday January 11th and Sunday January 12th, 2025 with a theme ‘Food Value Hunt” and is regarded as an initiative of Governor Hyacinth Alia through the ADC. 

Speaking  on the sideline of the program, the Managing Director of ADC, Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule, the auditioning for the program has commenced. 

He said that the participants will be empowered through mentorship, training, soft loans and grants.

“The food value hunt is a brain child of Governor Alia. He is interested in seeing that young minds and young people that are in the agricultural value chain have talent and skills and are willing to project it to add value to the state.

“He has powered this initiative and the Benue state Agricultural company is driving it through its partners. State and non-state actors are partnering with the ADC to see that this dream of harnessing these young people come through. We are going to capture one hundred and twenty of these persons,” Akule said. 

“In a bold move to harness the potential of Benue State’s youth and promote sustainable agricultural development, the Fr. Alia launched the “Food Value Hunt” initiative. 

“This groundbreaking project, powered by the Agricultural Development Company (ADC), aimed at identifying, nurturing and empowering young agricultural entrepreneurs between the ages of 10-35.

“The “Food Value Hunt” is more than just a competition – it’s a movement designed to awaken the entrepreneurial spirit of Benue’s young people. By providing a platform for them to showcase their innovative ideas, skills, and passion for agriculture.

“The initiative seeks to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture, develop the skills and knowledge of young agricultural entrepreneurs, promote sustainable agricultural practices and food security and create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

“It would also  take a holistic approach to agricultural development, focusing on the entire value chain – from production to processing, marketing, and consumption. By engaging and harnessing young people in this process, the initiative aims to create a new generation of agricultural leaders who are equipped to drive sustainable growth and development in the sector,” the ADC Boss said. 

He explained that the live tv program will come up in the course of the year. 

“We are currently auditioning and we are getting our foot on the gas pedal and have taken off already”, he said, and appreciated the support coming from the media, government officials and organizations towards the  success of the talent hunt.

“We will have twelve episodes, each episode will feature ten people. These people will be empowered through the various empowerment schemes that we have made available. They will win star prizes and a lot of things. 

“We will also have a participatory audience. The audience will be an interactive audience. They will also be empowered, be it business people or young people. We are targeting an audience of 400 people within the ages of 18-35 and a VIP of 100 people. Some of these participatory audiences will be sponsored.