Dr. Donald Peterson, Special Adviser to the Delta State Government on Entrepreneurship Development, shared his vision and plans at the 15th edition of the Journalists’ Hangout, tagged “From Parley to Party.” The event was organized by the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Dr. Peterson explained that his role is to give life to entrepreneurship in Delta State, especially in view of Nigeria’s economic challenges, where many businesses are shutting down. He outlined two major programs: “Deltaprenuership,” which covers Agropreneurship and Techpreneurship.
Highlighting the importance of youth, who make up 65% of Delta State’s population, Dr. Peterson emphasized the state’s educational strength, with four universities, two polytechnics, and two colleges of education. He noted that Delta State is known for tech-savvy and resilient people. This inspired the launch of the Techpreneurship program, designed to engage over 200,000 youths by integrating tech-based courses into existing entrepreneurship courses in universities. The courses include Artificial Intelligence, Programming, and Blockchain Technology.
Dr. Peterson said, “The program will run from Monday to Thursday for students, while Friday and Saturday will be open to youths in surrounding communities.”
He added that Techpreneurship aims to help young people in Delta connect with global work opportunities, building on his prior experience in youth training. “We trained over 5,000 youths who now work for tech firms in places like Russia, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden,” he said.
Recognizing that not all youths are tech-inclined, Dr. Peterson introduced Agropreneurship. This initiative includes the “Trans-generational Wealth Creator” program, focusing on coconut farming. Beneficiaries will receive 40 hybrid coconut seedlings, which start producing within two and a half years and can yield 80-100 pods yearly. With minimal maintenance, this can generate significant income for rural residents.
In addition, the state introduced a Hydroponic Farming System for growing crops like bell peppers and cucumbers without soil. This system offers quick returns and high yields, linking farmers to markets through an app.
Dr. Peterson stressed the need for Delta to produce more rice, noting the state’s fertile land. He proposed growing salt-tolerant rice varieties, Fero 52 and Nerica, in flood-prone and swampy areas, reducing the state’s reliance on imported rice.
The Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Churchill Oyovwe, thanked Dr. Peterson for attending the Hangout. He described the platform as an opportunity to hear from public and private sector leaders about their impact on governance and community development.