Nigerian Living Lab, APDC Group HQ., Abuja, May 29^th, 2025 – The Africa Projects Development Centre marked its 7^th anniversary  today by hosting the graduation ceremony for the third cohort of the EU-funded "HealthyDiets4Africa" (HD4A) training programme earlier today. The HD4A initiative is a critical response to Africa's "triple burden of malnutrition," which encompasses undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the escalating rates of obesity. 

Over a rigorous ten-week program, nineteen graduating trainees received hands-on technical, financial and business management training, facilitated by in-house specialists and expert nutrition consultants from premier institutions including the University of Abuja Specialist Hospital(UATH) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The skills acquired by these graduates are intended to empower them to instigate positive change within Africa's food systems and actively combat malnutrition, a challenge that not only strains healthcare systems but also impedes economic growth and development across the continent, particularly for children and youth.

Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, MD of APDC, addressed the graduating cohort, highlighting the organization's significant impact to date:

"We have trained 7,000 youths so far, and while it's a drop in the ocean, I recognize it will create a ripple effect. Currently, over 60% have established thriving businesses that empower others, which aligns with our mission. We didn't train 7,000 in one day, we’ll continue empowering youths around the continent.  Our training programmes are 100% free, and we won't deviate from that mandate. We have banks supporting some initiatives and hope this trend continues to better equip us to empower more youths." Our aim is to see 100% of you engaged in productive ventures. and we are committed to monitoring your progress and supporting your journey’’

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests representing various sectors crucial to Nigeria's agricultural and health development including; Mr. Ahmadu Zegi, FCT State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS); Ayuba Lamkotso (FMAFS); Mr. Osuagwu Victor, Senior Officer from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMHSW); Mr. Christopher Dafon, Nutrition Consultant from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH); Mr. Abdulrazak Sanusi, Dietician (UATH); Engineer Uzoma Achinanya (former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR Nigeria, on power); and other technocrats and esteemed guests.

The highlight was the keenly contested agripitch competition, in which four groups presented their innovative solutions. AngieAna Solutions ultimately secured first place, with Momo B Farms and Eggshell Biosolutions clinching 2nd and 3rd place. The top 3 teams earned a cumulative  ₦ 260,000 in cash prizes.

In recognition of their invaluable contributions and five years of loyalty to APDC's growth, three staff members were honored with awards: Maaruf Yakub (Director of Programmes, Policy & Partnerships), Monday Eteh (Agripreneur Incubation & Training Lead), and Maria Sunmola (Aquaculture Manager).

APDC remains dedicated to monitoring the post-program impact on trainees, their businesses, their communities, and the broader well-being of the continent.

Stay tuned for further updates on the program's progress and impact.

#APDC #HD4A #RDTI #EUHD4A #Malnutrition #Training #Empowerment #Youth #Healthydiets