‘’My name is Blessing Samuel. I live in Rivers State. I got to know about the NDYEP training project through a friend who happened to be a member of the Rivers State Youth Empowerment ministry. Before I joined the PIND training program, I had no idea whatsoever with anything that has to do with aquaculture. In short, I felt when you talk about fisheries or talk about poultry. It had to do with farmers who are from the rural villages. The PIND empowerment training program has changed a lot of things for me.
I didn’t have a job from the onset, and it was difficult to get one (1) because I’m not a graduate, so there’s no certificate attached to me. But after the program, I could manage a farm; I could make a living out of it. So, a lot has changed. It has also changed my perspective; I didn’t have to go out there and start looking for a job. I could, actually, do something with the experience I’ve gotten from the PIND training; I can now rear fishes. I have an experience to start a fish farm, so I don’t have to depend on anybody to look for a job. I can create a job for myself and, also, for other people. So, that’s a huge change and a huge experience.
Presently I’m managing a farm, and that’s one (1) of my short-term goals. Managing a farm is giving me a vast experience. I get to manage the fishes. I get to manage the poultry that has to do with the birds, the layer birds in particular. I get to manage snails, and it has broadened my experience. Now, I am into farming fully. I want to say a big thank you to PIND and Aqua Green, who have implemented this program. I’m now looking at it that there is a brighter future.’’