Oshakati: Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge handed over poultry equipment and chicken feed worth over N.dollar 70,000 to a local youth group as part of efforts to strengthen youth empowerment in the northern region. Iipinge, during the handover, said the gesture was a fulfilment of a commitment made when the youth group previously approached his office for assistance.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Iipinge stated, “We are here to deliver on our promise as we pledged when they came to seek assistance. We are here to hand over all the equipment they requested, and we delivered them within a week as per their request.” He urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and to expand their poultry production to create employment opportunities for fellow young people.

Iipinge further encouraged the group to supply their chickens to local businesses and to work towards sustaining their operations independently. He emphasised that the regional leadership remains committed to empowering young people through practical support aimed at stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment.

The founder of the poultry project, Simon Onesmus, while expressing gratitude for the gesture, said the assistance will help his five-year-old business grow. “There were a lot of risks and challenges with feeding; it was the reason why I approached the governor’s office, and luckily, he listened to me. Although I previously employed five workers, we lost two due to a decline in business, but I am confident this support will allow us to rebuild and recruit more people,” Onesmus said. The business was established in 2020 and breeds chickens and quails.