From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State government, through the Agricultural Development Company (ADC), is organising a live television programme for youths in the state to showcase their talents in the agricultural value chain.
The programme, tagged “Food Value Hunt,” is an initiative of the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, and will feature 120 youths from across the state.
The Managing Director of ADC, Mr Donald Akule, disclosed this to newsmen in Makurdi, stating that auditioning for the programme has commenced. The participants will be empowered through mentorship, training, soft loans, and grants.
Akule said, “The Food Value Hunt is a brainchild of His Excellency Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia. He is interested in seeing that young minds and young people in the agricultural value chain, who have talent and skills, 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 ensure that this dream of harnessing these young people comes to fruition. We are going to capture 120 of these persons.
“In a bold move to harness the potential of Benue State’s youth and promote sustainable agricultural development, Fr Hyacinth Alia has launched the ‘Food Value Hunt’ initiative.
“This groundbreaking project, powered by the Agricultural Development Company (ADC), aims to identify, nurture, and empower young agricultural entrepreneurs aged 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.
“It also seeks to develop the skills and knowledge of young agricultural entrepreneurs, promote sustainable agricultural practices and food security, as well as create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
“The Food Value Hunt initiative takes 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 equipped to drive sustainable growth and development in the sector,” he said.
He explained that the live TV programme will be aired later this year.
“We are currently holding auditions and appreciate the support from the media, government officials, and organisations towards the success of the talent hunt.
“We will have twelve episodes, each featuring ten participants. These participants will be empowered through various schemes we have made available. They will win star prizes and more.
“We will also have a participatory audience. This audience will be interactive, including business people and young people. We are targeting an audience of 400 people aged 18-35, along with 100 VIPs. Some of this participatory audience will be sponsored, with tickets available at a very low cost.
Akule also mentioned that during the programme, the people of Benue will be exposed to opportunities offered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), as well as the loan and grant facilities made available by the state government. Additionally, a database will be created to help them access opportunities in the agricultural sector.
He emphasised that Governor Alia is committed to projecting a leadership of integrity and is willing to give back to the people who have given him the mandate to administer the state.
“Alia is harnessing the resources of the state and using them to empower this generation and the upcoming generation of Benue people,” he said.