The farmers spoke at a skill acquisition programmes in the Karu area of Nasarawa State, noting that more rural dwellers agriculturists and residents should be assisted to get computer literacy skills for their overall socio-economic development.
A cross section of farmers has explained how internet and computer skills will help their agricultural productivity and give them access to harness 21st century innovations and opportunities.
The farmers spoke at a skill acquisition programmes in the Karu area of Nasarawa State, noting that more rural dwellers agriculturists and residents should be assisted to get computer literacy skills for their overall socio-economic development.
The training was organised by Pandagric Novum, makers of Supreme Feeds, for residents of the surrounding communities in Karu, Nasarawa State – with nine persons finally completing the programme.
One of the farmers, and best trainee, Madaki Abeh, who was presented with desktop computer with accessories, said being able to use internet access would open a new chapter for his farming and other businesses.
“I’m extremely happy because of the opportunities that come from owning a computer, such as opening of the first business center in the community. My people can now connect to the world through the internet. Not only that, but I can also in-turn train other people in the community and help them become computer literate.
“I’ve been a farmer all my life and I will remain a farmer. What this business will do is to provide more income for me and a better life for my family,” he added.
Speaking at the training convocation, Chief Executive Officer, Pandagric Novum, Bruce Spain, said the impact of the training would be measured based on the number of lives the farmers and residents were able to touch in their respective communities.
“This is the real success to me – that the impact is not just now and for these people alone, but for the hundreds of lives they would touch in the future. Our goal as an organisation, is to contribute in our own way to closing the digital divide, especially in the communities where we operate.
“As an organisation, we are passionate about uplifting the people in our community. To deliver on this, we will continue to invest in activities, systems and infrastructure that contribute to sustainable development as long as we are here.”
Speaking on the computer literacy training, the General Manager, Human Resource and Enterprise Services, Mojisola Garba, said, “As you are aware, computer literacy is a must for anyone in the 21st century, even for farmers. And what we have done is to close that gap, to make people in this community employable and relevant. The advantage of this training is that participants would in-turn encourage their children and wards to go to school, especially the girl-child.”