By Uchenna Eletuo
The Caritas Nigeria, on Friday graduated its 400 trainees in produce preservation, processing to enhance food security.
The event, held at Ikorodu, Lagos State, was part of the Building Sustainable Livelihoods in Vibrant Community (B-SLiC) Project for the 2026 in the South-West Nigeria to aid people’s well-being.
The Caritas Nigeria is the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, it carries out services for the bishops conference to lift up people from poverty.
The organisation, supported by the Conrad Hilton Foundation U.S. was being facilitated by the congregations of the Sisters of the Eucharist Heart of and the Daughters of Charity for the the project.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the trainees, trained under the caritas “Building B-SLiC were indigent members of the rural communities in Lagos State.
The people, trained in fish and feed production , cassava tuber processing, tomatoes and pepper processing, were given start-up kits to begin business to forestall post harvest lost, feed well and to earn income.
The trainees, grouped in a cluster of ten, received 250 KG fingerlies, feeds such as Starter, Grower and Finisher and 250KG fish to begin with, ten bags of tomatoes and pepper to process to pestery and powdery form for commercial purpose.
For garri, they received 35 bags of cassava tubers each, Pressing Machine, industrial fryers, storage bags, sealer machines, oven and energy saving stove.
Speaking at the event, Caritas Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Peter Babajida-Audu, described the programme that diginifies and refocuses the human person.
Audu, envisaged the economic multiplier effect of the project in the society, said that, It reminds one that no matter the challenges people face, there is always hope for a better future.
According to him hope gives strength when the road is difficult. Hope allows us to see possibilities where others see limitations. Today, we celebrate that hope becoming reality in the lives of many individuals and families.
“The B-SLiC project now in its fourth year, has continued to touch lives, restore dignity, and create opportunities for people to stand on their feet. Through skills acquisition, empowerment, and support, many have moved from uncertainty to confidence, from dependence to productivity, and from struggle to renewed purpose.
“To our graduand and beneficiaries, I congratulate you. You have shown courage by committing yourselves to this training. As you receive your start-up kits today, remember that these are more than tools or materials, they are seeds for your future. Use them with discipline, determination, honesty, and creativity.
“Let your success become an inspiration to others in your families and communities,” he said.
The Executive Secretary, lauded the facilitators and the benefactors for the initiative to invest in people.
In his remark at the event, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most. Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, præyed for the multiplication of the project.
Martins, represented at the event by Rev. Fr. Williams Ajulo, of the Our Lady of Fatima Church Adamo Ikorodu, asked the beneficiaries to make good use of the items and improve their lives and family and contribute to society growth.
Mr Abel Allison, a beneficiary, said that, the training and empowerment has boosted his zeal in agribusiness.
Mr Ebenizar Abiona, another beneficiary, said that, he will expand his earnings with proceeds from the scheme and employ others.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
