By Gami Tadanyigbe
The YEYEDU Foundation, in collaboration with the Hannis Foundation, has empowered over 500 students of the School for the Deaf in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with practical agricultural skills aimed at promoting self-reliance and future employment opportunities.
The outreach programme, held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, was designed to equip the students with knowledge and hands-on experience in crop cultivation and sustainable farming practices.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, themed “Creating a Green World,” featured lectures and practical demonstrations on soil identification, crop planting techniques, and proper crop management for improved yield.
Speaking during the event, the Founder of YEYEDU Foundation, Mrs. Juliet Gbefwi, said the initiative was aimed at combining spiritual growth with vocational empowerment for the deaf students.
According to her, the programme sought to teach the children the Word of God while also equipping them with valuable agricultural skills that could help them become self-sufficient in the future.
Quoting Genesis 8:22, which states, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease,” Gbefwi stressed the importance of agriculture in sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food security.
Through an interpreter, she encouraged the students to embrace agriculture as a viable career path, noting that farming has the potential to create employment opportunities, promote self-reliance, and contribute significantly to national development.
One of the facilitators, Mr. Stephen Audu, who handled both the theoretical and practical sessions, trained the students on the various types of soil and their suitability for crop production.
He also demonstrated planting techniques for crops such as maize, okra, vegetables, beans, and other staple crops, while highlighting the importance of proper soil selection and crop management for successful harvests.
NAN further reports that the outreach featured Bible study sessions, evangelism, praise and worship activities, as well as refreshments for participants.
The organisers expressed optimism that the skills acquired during the programme would inspire the students to explore agriculture as a means of livelihood and contribute positively to their communities and the nation’s economy.