SONGHAI CENTER-DELTA-AMUKPE

Even though the area contains the richest petroleum deposits in Nigeria, there has been a constant decline in the living standards of the people of Delta State in Nigeria. As a result, the Governor, Chief James Ibori, has decided that young high school graduates must be further oriented towards entrepreneurial agriculture and has found inspiration in Songhai's vision of development.

The site of Songhai Delta Amukpe is 7km from the center of Sapele town, in the Delta State. Located along the Amukpe-Eku road, this site is very strategically positioned. Geographically, Sapele is a crossroads for all travelers headed for the major states in that part of the country (Imo State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, etc.). It is a meeting point with an important network of roads, and there is already an increasing amount of development in the area.

ACTIVITIES

Training: Its aim, first and foremost, is to train young high school graduates in the Delta State so that they will be able to manage the Center and consequently train the local populations of the state. Emphasis is placed on instilling a sense of responsibility, discipline, creativity, and courage. Secondly, the training seeks to impart to the young people knowledge and expertise (the techniques of production and economic management of an agricultural enterprise), but above all a "knowing-how-to-be" (a sense of social responsibility, and a commitment to excellence which will eventually lead to self-determination, to the creation of wealth in the community, and to self-employment).

1) Plant production:(rice, yams, cassava, market products, etc.) .

2) Raising of poultry (broilers, laying hens, ducks, quails, etc.) and mammals (grasscutters (African giant bushrat), pigs, cattle, etc.).

3) Fish farming (catfish, tilapia, carp, etc.)

4) Processing of agricultural products (delicatessen, production of fruit juices, and syrups).

5) Maintenance workshops and repair of the farm's agricultural vehicles and tools, and installation of a biogas unit.

6) Craft industry and marketing.

7) Promotion of new technologies in information and communication through the telecenter .