The Oyo State Government on Tuesday approved $1.2 million to kick-start an agribusiness initiative tagged: ‘Start Them Early Programme’ (STEP), in six selected secondary schools in the state.
Mr Akinola Ojo, the Commissioner for Finance, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the 22nd weekly executive council meeting in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was presided over by Gov. Seyi Makinde.
According to Ojo, STEP is an intervention programme with a unique approach that will redirect secondary schools students to agribusiness skills.
“With this programme, the state government is working closely with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA) to engage more students into STEP.
“The programme is also aiming to encourage youths in agribusiness and expansion of the state’s economy,” the commissioner stated.
Ojo noted that the six beneficiary schools would be upgraded by the state government toward kick-starting the programme.
On the identity of the beneficiary schools, the commissioner said that they would emerge after due consultation with Dr Debo Akande, the Director-General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency.
