Academy seeks partnership with Abia to train youths in agriculture

EMMANUEL Ukoha, proprietor of Jesus’ Disciples Bible Academy, a theological institute, located in Ozu Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, says that the Academy is willing to partner Abia State Government to train the State’s youths in agriculture to boost food production.

The Academy runs large scale farm and skills acquisition centre.

He appealed to Abia State Government to send students to his college to be trained in the techniques of farming, adding that he would be happy, if Governor Alex Otti, would visit the College to see things happening there.

“We want Governor Alex Otti to visit our college and witness our efforts in food security,” Ukoha prayed.

Ukoha in a chat with some select Journalists at the Institute, said that his sojourn into farming started when he picked a cob of maize that bore 100 seeds, which he planted and it multiplied and yielded 300 stands.

He said, his college decided not to go into mechanised agriculture for now, because it would remove many hands from jobs .

The clergy/farmer, who has acquired over 200 hectares of land for farming, revealed that he later veered into rice farming, maize and other crops, which he has been supplying to markets in Umuahia, Ohafia and beyond at cheap prices.

“The farm works are carried out by the students of the college, as it is compulsory that before any of them graduates, he/she must acquire skills, while propagating the word of God.

“We use our hands to get what we need so that you will spread the Gospel with authority.

“Students passing through the college must learn skills .Our aim is to empower people to welcome the word”, said Ukoha.

He revealed that some of the graduands of the college, who are willing to take up employment would be engaged.

He hinted that the Academy trains students in rice, cassava, maize, okra, plantain, banana, palm oil, vegetables among other crops.

The Academy also trans students piggery, fishery poultry , goat, cow and cattle rearing, among others.

The proprietor observed that there is a lot of gold buried in the ground, noting that if proper attention is given to the agricultural sector that Nigeria would not experience the prevailing hardships in the country.