UN Women Warns Artisans, Agric Extension Workers on Absenteeism

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi

UN Women Warns Artisans, Agric Extension Workers on Absenteeism

By Adamu Imam, Bauchi

In an effort to ensure a seamless takeoff of training for technicians and artisans on biodigester installation and maintenance, and agricultural extension workers on kitchen gardening, the United Nations Women has warned 20 engaged artisans to be dedicated during the training exercise and installations.

 UN WOMEN Representative to Bauchi State 

The UN Women lead in Bauchi State, Desmond Osalibo Osamije, stated that participants should use the advantage of this training exercise as a stepping stone for job employment opportunities in Nigeria and beyond. He added, "The artisans should be very attentive and take this work seriously, as it's an additional skill that will improve their lives, increase their incomes, and they will be certified and issued a certificate by the United Nations."

Osamije further explained, "We also want to help them teach women how to set up their kitchen gardens where they can deploy bioslurry as an organic manure. With the extension workers, we are going to train 6 or 7 who will help and support the beneficiaries in this regard."

Biodigester During the Training Installation 

He stressed that the project is fully funded by the United Nations Women for now, and they are looking forward to partnering with the government. "We are assured that when we are through with this pilot project, UN Women will scale it up to other parts of Bauchi State."

As part of improving the artisans' capacity, the representative of the implementing partner, Hajiya Marka Abbas, National PRO SWOFON, emphasized the impact of the project on rural women at home. "It would be impactful because the artisans will visit their houses and train the women on how to use this biodigester. Anytime they have a problem, they are free to call those artisans for assistance, and they will start installing right away without further delay."

  Hajiya Marka Abbas SWOFON 

Marka Abbas added, "The selection process of those artisans and technicians was based on merit, without interference, so that they can improve on their skills. We urge them to be proactive in their training exercise – no one is indispensable."

Some of the training participants expressed satisfaction and promised to justify the confidence reposed in them and do what is expected at all times for the success of the project within the stipulated time or throughout the period.