By Abiodun Abdullai
The Federal Government has trained a new batch of 18 retired civil servants in entrepreneurship and agro-allied ventures to strengthen food security and promote post-retirement self-reliance among Nigerians.
The initiative, part of the Entrepreneurship Skills Development Workshop held at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) in Abuja, aims to help retirees transition into sustainable agribusinesses such as poultry, crop farming, and aquaculture.
According to Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the programme is designed to "equip participants with practical business knowledge that creates jobs, reduces poverty, and supports Nigeria's food sovereignty agenda."
He emphasised that the initiative reflects the government's commitment to empowering its workforce beyond service years, aligning with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2025) and President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
"We want our staff to see agriculture not only as a public sector function but as a viable business venture," Ogunbiyi said.
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Also speaking, Mr. Udo Effik, Director of Reform Coordination, Service Improvement and Innovation, noted that the training supports the national goals of wealth creation and inclusive economic growth.
Representing the beneficiaries, Mr. Gani Garba, a retired director from the Department of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, expressed appreciation to the ministry and pledged that participants would leverage the knowledge gained to drive agribusiness opportunities.
The event concluded with the presentation of starter packs and certificates to all trainees — a step the ministry said would encourage them to begin their entrepreneurial journey immediately.
