How i became self-employed through YAGEP - Okotie ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Laura Ese Oghene

 

Okotie Francis Anthony is the CEO of Finger Integrated Farm. He hails from Warri South Local Government Area and has a B.Sc. in Accounting. He enrolled into the Delta State Government’s Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2015/2016 cycle, the pioneer set where he began his entrepreneurship journey as a pig farmer. He shares his story.

 

‘’After graduation, I was into the Oil and Gas Industry, but lost the job. I enrolled into YAGEP through which I was trained and established in Piggery. I was established with 10 in-pigs in 12 pig pens. Seven years later, the support package has grown; business has been good.

 

‘’I have expanded and currently have 42 pigs in 14 pens. I have 2 staff members I pay on a monthly basis. I save 80,000 every month I sell my pigs. I am married with children and I take good care of my family.

 

‘’I have diversified into pawpaw farming. I rented a 100 X 200 where I planted pawpaw. Market women buy pawpaw from me daily. I plan to also diversify into fish and poultry farming soon. I am grateful to Governor Okowa for helping me to become self-employed.