BY JOHN EBIOFINI
In a bid to reduce unemployment in the society, the Ondo Catholic Diocese has purchased a tractor for youth farmers in the state.
The step according to the diocese is also to stem the tide of hunger among Nigerians as food is one of life’s sustenance, thus making it much needed to feed the growing population.
This is why the Catholic church is boosting the agricultural sector since government alone could not actualze the Maputo declaration which demands that African governments at all levels should set aside ten percent of their annual spending for agriculture to make food available for the citizenry.
Inaugurating the new tractor , the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade advised the youths to grab the golden opportunity to empower themselves and also feed the larger society.
Bishop Arogundade who thanked ondo State government for its assisting in purchase of the tractor urged government at all levels to be more concerned with creating wealth for the teeming masses.
The Farm director of the church, Rev Father John Apata appealed to the youths to show more interest in agriculture.
Some of the youth farmers appreciated the gesture saying the tractor would enhance their farming activities.
A member of the committee of youth empowerment and development program, Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Mr Anthony Omolakin said the tractor would also be available for hiring.
Earlier, the executive director, lumen fidei economic and empowerment Centre, Prof Bosede Aworuwa said the NGO was positioned to help the youths to achieve their goals.
The tractor was purchased at thirty percent subsidy by the Ondo State government.