The Diocese of Nike (Anglican Communion) Enugu has employed at least 50 persons to work in its expanded farms, the Bishop of the diocese, Rt. Rev. Christian Onyia, has said.

Mr Onyia said this on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

The bishop spoke on the sidelines of his 46th birthday celebration as well as two years plus three months of his consecration as bishop.

He said the farm was established to create employment opportunities and promote food security in Enugu State.

He described those employed as mostly young, energetic middle-aged men and women.

He said the diocese was doing very well in other agricultural practices, outside the open farming system.

According to him, we adopted other farming practices due to the high spate of insecurity caused by herders on open farmlands.

“As a result of last year’s COVID-19 lockdown, we know there will be food shortages and hunger in the land.

“So, the diocese felt that we must go back to what sustained our fathers, which is the farm.

“Unfortunately, it has become very risky to go to open farms here due to insecurity.

“So, we have gone into expanded but closed mechanised farming.

“We are currently doing it within church compounds in the diocese.

“We do fishery, mushrooms, poultries, plantations, such as cassava plantation, amongst others.

“We try to diversify and bring in the best agronomy practices in them all,” Mr Onyia said.

He further said that the diocese was building a sachet and bottle water factory.

He said the essence of the diversification was to create opportunities to absorb more young people to enable them to fend for themselves and their immediate dependents.

“The diocese ensures efficient management of its group of farms that have led to the prompt payment of salaries,” the clergyman said.

(NAN)