The Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) marked its eighth anniversary yesterday with the graduation ceremony of the fourth cohort of the EU-funded HealthyDiets4Africa and the third cohort of Nutripreneurs training programmes.

Both programmes are central to APDC's response to the continent's triple burden of malnutrition and entrenched food insecurity: systemic challenges that severely strain healthcare systems and hinder economic development, particularly for the continent's women and youth. Over ten rigorous weeks, thirty-four graduates received hands-on training spanning technical skills, financial literacy, digital marketing, and business management, delivered by in-house specialists alongside nutrition and catering consultants from institutions including the University of Abuja Specialist Hospital (UATH).

In his anniversary address, the Managing Director of APDC, Dr Chiji Ojukwu, reflected on what has already been achieved:

“Upon my retirement from the African Development Bank Group, having seen first-hand the worrisome levels of unemployment among Africa's youth, I set up The Centre to address these issues. So far, we have empowered over 10,000 youths and women across Africa. Over 70% have gone on to establish thriving businesses that empower others, and that is precisely what our mission demands. Our training programmes are 100 per cent free, and we will not deviate from that mandate. We have some institutions that support certain initiatives, and we hope that the trend will continue so we can increase our reach. We aim to see every single graduate engaged in productive ventures, and we are committed to monitoring your progress and supporting your journey. Now, to the staff, both past and present, who have put in tireless work, I say thank you.”

The ceremony also featured a goodwill message from the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris M. Bugaje, represented by Dr Adams Maidodo, who addressed the graduates directly.

"Nigeria and Africa need your farms, your products, your innovations, and your leadership. As you step into this next phase, know that NBTE remains committed to supporting quality technical education and to building the enabling environment for you to thrive." 

To APDC's management, Dr Maidodo added that eight years of consistent, impactful work were a testament to the organization's resolve in technical and vocational education delivery and a foundation worth building on.

Distinguished guests representing key sectors in Nigeria's agricultural and health development attended the event; among them were partners from ActionAid and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) VCDP, all of whom witnessed what proved to be the highlight of the afternoon: the agripitch competition, in which six teams presented innovative solutions to challenges across the food and nutrition value chain. After a keenly contested round, Sharon Ineh Sokwo, CEO of Plume Farms, claimed first place, with Zarflo Farms and N&D Agrotech taking second and third, respectively. The top three teams shared cash prizes totalling ₦260,000.

Recognition, however, was not reserved for competitors alone. Three staff members, each with five years of loyal service, were honoured for their dedication: Ifeoma Umeania (Director of Administrative Services), Amina Yunusa (Legal and Strategic Operations Officer), and Zuliat Yusuf (Horticulture and Mushroom Officer).

To our global network of partners, eight years of impact is proof of what becomes possible when institutions invest in young people. The invitation to deepen those ties, in service of Africa's development, remains open. Individuals and organizations wishing to support or partner with APDC in driving this mission are welcome to reach out at programmes@apdcgroup.org.

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