The Confederation of Traditional Stock Breeders Organizations CORET in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS has unveiled plans to create three thousand jobs for youths through the milk value chain at grazing reserves in Kaduna and Jigawa States.
The Project Coordinator of CORET, Dr. Umar Hardo, disclosed this during a capacity-building workshop for selected leaders and youth members of cooperative societies held at Ladugga, in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The two-day capacity-building workshop brought together leaders from twelve different dairy cooperatives, milk aggregators, and community leaders. The initiative, sponsored by ECOWAS, is set to commence in two pilot communities—Ladugga in Kaduna State and Maigatari in Jigawa State.
The project is also supported by the Swedish Development Cooperation and is being implemented by a consortium of partners, including the National Commission for Nomadic Education and the Milk Value Chain Foundation, among others.
Dr. Umar Hardo explained that the workshop aimed to equip cooperative groups with skills and knowledge across all aspects of milk production.
“CORET had already engaged with companies such as Milk Copal, Nestlé, and Farm Fresh as part of the project, solar-powered milk cooling and collection centers have been constructed in both Ladugga and Maigatari communities. He said.
Dr. Umar Hardo explained that the original plan was to train four hundred youths on milk production and processing in the dairy value chain, a remarkable nine hundred and twenty three youths from Ladugga alone expressed interest, reflecting the enthusiasm within the cooperative movement.
He further explained that four hundred were selected for the project at Maigatari in Jigawa State.
“CORET signed a Public-Private Partnership agreement with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, as well as the Kaduna and Jigawa State Ministries of Agriculture, to facilitate the development and implementation of the project. He said.
The Project Coordinator noted that this marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history, as it is the first time milk collection centers are being equipped with cooling systems capable of preserving milk for transportation without spoilage.
He also mentioned that part of the project’s objective is to construct milk collection centers and train participants as milk aggregators from rural communities who will oversee these facilities as well as the cooperative societies.
In a paper presentation, former Director of Community Development and Cooperative Societies in Kaduna State, Mr. Yohanna Kabirat, said the training focused on cooperative societies, management, and leadership to help participants run their cooperatives effectively.
He underscored the critical role of cooperative societies in achieving sustainable development for members, especially youths in Ladugga.
Mr. Kabirat advised participants to share the knowledge gained during the workshop with their members, particularly emphasizing accountability, a key area where many cooperatives have previously faced financial challenges.
The Former Director concluded by stressing that the backbone of any successful cooperative society lies in strict adherence to its bylaws.
Speaking to Radio Nigeria Kaduna, some of the participants, Sufyanu Umar and Fatima Isa, expressed satisfaction with the training, stating that they have gained valuable insights on how to manage their cooperatives more effectively and positively.
Participants at the capacity-building workshop have commended the Confederation of Traditional Stock Breeders Organizations CORET and its development partners for organizing a successful training program.
They expressed optimism that the skills and knowledge gained would have a lasting and positive impact on their livelihoods.
Cov/Adamu Yusuf
