News in brief:
– The Ogun State government will waive rent for Soilless Farm Lab for the next five years to support their youth training program.
– This action aims to create new agricultural businesses and skilled workers in the state.
The Ogun State government has approved a waiver on rent for Soilless Farm Lab for the next five years to support its educational programme.
In a letter dated 23 September 2023, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture confirmed a waiver of five-year rent for the innovative company. It stated that the project site, which is situated on the state’s Agricultural Acquisition Site, will be free starting in 2025.
“The waiver is a [sic] support from the Ogun State Government in consideration of your efforts at building a new generation of innovative and technologically inclined youths, required for social stability and food security in Ogun State and Nigeria at large,” the letter stated.
You’ll recall that Prince Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, had made promises to support Soilless Farm Lab’s efforts after a visit to the company’s hydroponics building and other infrastructures. Part of the promises included a ₦20 million payment for training youths.
In a note from the CEO of EUPEPSIA PLACE LIMITED (Soilless Farm Lab), Samson Ogbole, he thanked the governor for keeping to his promises.
Thank you, sir, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor, Ogun state.
Thank you, sir.
1. For sending youths from Ogun state for training
2. Gifting Cohort 7 N20m
3. Land rent fees waiver
4. The land C of OThank you also to the Honourable Committee for Agriculture in… pic.twitter.com/gSuTEGgSx6
— Farmer Samson Ogbole (@Samsonprolific) October 9, 2024
Soilless Farm Lab aims to create 240 agricultural-based companies after training 12,000 graduate youth farmers. It wants to reduce unemployment by creating 31,200 direct jobs and targets empowering at least 45,000 youths with hydroponics skills.
As of last count, the company says that it has trained 6,000 graduate youth farmers and over 13,000 youths have acquired hydroponics skills with 120 companies already created.
The training programme is open to only youths between the ages of 18 and 29. Here is a link to apply.