Warm Greetings, Partners, Stakeholders, and Friends,
We are delighted to welcome you to the third edition of our 2024 newsletter! We hope you enjoyed our previous issues. In case you missed it, you can click here to access the first and second edition. Now, sit back and enjoy this edition!
LFN IMPLEMENTS SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS TRAINING FOR FARMERS IN IKO- ESAI COMMUNITIES CROSS RIVER STATE
At the instance of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Leventis Foundation Nigeria is currently implementing an agribusiness training for farmers in Iko- Esai communities, Cross River State. This NCF-NABU initiative aims to improve the productive capacities of farmers for identified agricultural commodities, equip them with skills to reduce post-harvest losses, and incorporate value chain approaches to boost productivity. Also, the program would facilitate access to seed capital.
This intervention is expected to enhance the protection and sustainable management of forest resources, while also improving the livelihoods of communities in the buffer zone of Cross River National Park.
The training is part of the Community Forest Management and Livelihood Improvement project in the buffer region of Cross River National Park (also known as the Iko-Esai Project), which aims to re-establish community-based mechanisms for forest conservation and sustainable utilization.
FCT MINISTER LAUDS LEVENTIS – FCT PARTNERSHIP ON AGRIBUSINESS AS FADAMA-CARES PROGRAM DISBURSES GRANTS TO EX-TRAINEES OF LEVENTIS/FCT AGRICULTURAL TRAINING SCHOOL, ABUJA
Ninety four (94) ex-trainees of the Leventis Foundation Nigeria/FCT Agricultural Training School, Yaba, Abuja received grants in the form of farm inputs from the FCT Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, through its FADAMA-Cares program on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The event took place at the FADAMA office in Gwagwalada.
In her keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed gratitude to the Leventis Foundation for its role in building technical capacities of FCT youths and farmers in agribusiness.
Dr. Mahmoud emphasized that the aim of the grant is to support the trained agripreneurs in rebuilding their agribusiness after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby contributing to food security and strengthening the food supply chain in the FCT.
The grants included seeds, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, knapsack sprayers, day-old chicks, poultry feed, livestock medications, juvenile fish, fish feed, grinding machines, and protective clothing, among others.
Dignitaries at the event included Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri, Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council; Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat and Chairman of the FCT-Cares Technical Committee.
LFN HOSTS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2024
With Leventis Foundation Nigeria’s commitment to equipping our trainees with innovative tools and knowledge to lead the agricultural sector, LFN hosted its 2024 International Youth Day event themed: Digitalizing Agriculture for Enhanced Food Systems.
The event held at the Leventis Foundation Nigeria/FCT Agricultural Training School, Yaba, Abuja.
The guest speaker of the event, Mrs. Priscilla Canice-Obi, CEO of Nature First, while highlighting the importance of digitalizing the agricultural value chains, emphasized the role of modern techniques such as precision farming, drone technology, efficient water use and integrated pest management in improving agricultural productivity. She also emphasized leveraging social media as a powerful tool to agribusiness marketing.
Mr Pratipatti Srinivas of Satyukt, a global Ag-tech firm, presented innovative solutions using satellite data, AI, and machine learning in addressing agricultural challenges. Pratipatti showcased the Sat2Farm app with features that enables farmers to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and receive pest and disease advisories.
In his remarks, Dr. Hope Usieta, Executive Director of LFN, reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to integrating digital agriculture across its operations. He emphasized that LFN is investing resources to ensure that trainees acquire essential digital skills to thrive in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
The event also featured an interactive session with experts, including Dr. Felix Obinyan, General Manager, Technical and Training (LFN), Mrs. Agnes Yusuf, Principal of LFN Agricultural Training School, Yaba, and Mr. Neksummi Matthias, an LFN ex-trainee. The discussion further enriched participants’ understanding of how digital tools can revolutionize agriculture.
Dignitaries present included Mr. Umar Yelwa, Assistant Director, FCT Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat.
Success stories from ex-trainees and a cultural dance presentation were part of the highlights of the occasion.
To replay the live streaming, please click here.
LEVENTIS FOUNDATION NIGERIA MOURNS THE PASSING OF FORMER GM, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, MR. OYEDEJI OLUFEMI
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed former colleague, Mr. Oyedeji Olufemi, who served as the Foundation’s General Manager of Finance and Administration. Mr. Olufemi passed away at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, dedication, and warmth that touched the lives of everyone he worked with.
Mr. Olufemi was known not only for his exemplary leadership and meticulous management of the Foundation’s finances but also for his genuine care and mentorship of colleagues. His unwavering commitment to the mission of the Foundation helped strengthen our operations and ensure the smooth running of our programs.
Beyond his professional contributions, Mr. Olufemi will be remembered for his humility, wisdom, and kind-hearted nature. His ability to create a positive and harmonious working environment made him not just a colleague but a trusted friend to many.
As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and the positive impact he had on our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in perfect peace.