George Okoh in Makurdi
Benue State women and youths are to benefit from training in agribusiness in the State of Virginia, United States of America.
According to the Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Mr. Nathaniel Ikyur, yesterday, the understanding was reached following a proposal by the state governor that Virginia State which shares a lot in common with Benue State should invest in the Nigeria for obvious mutual benefits.
The understanding followed an interactive session between the Benue State Government led by Ortom at the investment forum organised by the International Commission on Nigeria, which took place at the Sofitel Lafayette in Washington DC, US.
The Benue State team also comprised the Director-General, Benue State Planning Commission, Dr. Sam Unom, and other government officials, while the State of Virginia team was led by its Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Joseph W. Guthrie.
Also, according to the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Rev. Peters Ichull, the discussion focused on promoting agriculture, training and trade between the two states.
Ortom emphasised that since Virginia was also the food basket of America, the two states should explore the similarities to boost agribusiness.
The governor said Benue State stands to benefit from the advanced technology and skills of Virginia State.
While responding, Virginia’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Guthrie, agreed that the collaboration between Benue State and his state was feasible because of their shared interests.
He emphasised that helping the youths and women to cultivate interest in agriculture as a business will address both poverty and food security that have become global concerns.
The commissioner said youths and women involvement in agriculture through training, extension and research would shift global attention to Africa as the continent is the most resourceful in the world.
