To uplift the economic fortunes of his constituents, Senator Aniekan Bassey (SAB) of the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District has exposed youths and rural women to a specialized agricultural training programme.

According to information from his media unit, the training, which was done in collaboration with the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), took place on Friday at the Conference Hall of the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District Secretariat, Uyo. It focused on yam and cassava by-product processing and preservation.

The training, officially flagged off by the Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Council, Hon. Anthony Nyong, is expected to unlock hidden economic opportunities and wealth creation for participants, who were selected from the district’s nine local government areas.

While emphasizing the importance of the training in driving sustainable development in rural communities, Hon. Nyong lauded Senator Bassey’s commitment to human capital development and grassroots empowerment in his remarks.

Speaking during the event, the Director of Protocol to Senator Bassey, Hon. Desmond Etim, emphasized the need to diversify income streams in rural communities through modern agricultural practices.

He expressed confidence that the training would empower participants to become self-reliant entrepreneurs and active contributors to the local, state, and national economy.

Hon. Etim explained that the empowerment training programme builds on Senator Bassey’s previous efforts to promote agro-businesses, support modern farming practices, and provide grants to beneficiaries in the senatorial district.

He added, “As the training progresses, participants will receive follow-up support, including starter packs and mentorship, to ensure the practical application of their newly acquired skills.”

The resource persons who are experts from ARMTI, led by Mr. Odeseye Abdulhameed, through hands-on sessions, demonstrated to the participants innovative techniques for processing and preserving these staple crops, showcasing their potential to generate significant income.

The ARMTI experts also taught the participants how to transform cassava and yam by-products into marketable goods, such as high-quality starch, cassava flour, yam chips, and other value-added products.

A beneficiary of the training, Mrs. Imaobong Akpan, from Uyo, expressed gratitude to Senator Bassey for the opportunity to acquire new skills and described the programme as life-changing.

Another participant, Mr. Ubong Etim, from Etinan, commended Senator Bassey for his visionary leadership, saying “This is a practical solution to rural unemployment and underdevelopment. I look forward to putting my new skills to work.”

The Director of GeoBass Limited graced the event, Mr. Geoffrey Ebenge; the spokesperson of Team Aniekan Bassey, Dr. Eventus Edem; Barrister Alfred Ekeng; Chief of Staff to the Senator, Mr. Charles Iwatt, among others.