NAN-AE-6
Training
By Chukwumeka Opara
Owutu (Ebonyi), Feb.1, 2018 (NAN) The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has trained its benefiting clusters in Ebonyi in leadership, time-management and skills.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was a “step-down’’ follow-up to the programme’s leadership training held for selected officers in Jos in September, 2017.
Mrs Francisca Anya, the Rural Institution, Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Officer of IFAD-VCDP in Ebonyi, said in Owutu, Afikpo South Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi, on Thursday that the training would be conducted in Afikpo South, Ohaozara, Ikwo, Ishiellu and Izzi LGAs.
`IFAD-VCDP seeks to use adequate sensitisation to make benefiting farmers see agriculture as a business venture which would enhance their economic and social wellbeing, rather than a mere subsistence venture.
“We were, therefore, mandated to step down the training we acquired in Jos to the leaders of our various cluster groups and farmers associations in the benefiting councils to enable them to impact the knowledge on their members.
“The participants would receive tutorials in leadership skills, time managements skills, First Aid applications, fire management skills, relationship management, business communication skills, among others,” she said.
Anya urged the participants to be punctual in all farming and related activities, while ensuring that they adequately arranged or prioritised their daily activities for increased output.
“You should also, as leaders, effectively delegate authority or duties to infuse the acquired knowledge into your subordinates for greater efficiency.
“You should, however, not delegate authority or duties to your subordinates when they are not well-equipped to handle such tasks because it would be counterproductive,” she said.
Anya urged cluster leaders and members to promote unity and effective collaboration among themselves, as such collaboration was the basis of the feats of successful cooperative societies or groups.
“Most multinational companies around the world commenced operations as cooperative societies and such societies in most parts of the world even have powers to decide the fate of governments,” she said.
Speaking, Mr Okoro Agwu, the IFAD-VCDP Business and Marketing Development Officer in Ebonyi, urged the participants to develop good business relationship skills in order to enhance their farming enterprises.
“You should understand that retaining customers is easier and better than getting new ones; therefore, you should treat your customers, business associates and subordinates humanely to retain their patronage and services.
Also speaking, Mr Nnachi Ukpai, IFAD-VCDP Assistant Rural Institution, Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Officer in Ebonyi, urged the participants to employ democratic means to resolve conflicts so as to actualise the goals of their groups.
“Cluster and group leaders should give members equal opportunities of participating in the groups’ governance and ensure that their views are considered while making decisions,” he said.
Mr Basil Okwor, the Chairman of Umuhuali Cluster in Ishielu LGA, thanked the organisers for the training but called for assistance in encouraging cluster members to attend such programmes.
Mr Fredrick Alobo, an executive of Ikemba Cluster in Ikwo LGA, also lauded the organisers but urged IFAD-VCDP to enhance its farm inputs and equipment distribution capacity.
Mr John Ibiam, the Secretary of Osso Cluster in Afikpo South LGA, noted that the group had devised means of tackling its financial challenges but urged IFAD-VCDP to assist its members with regard to land acquisition. (NAN)
RCO/OOK
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