…moves to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector
In a significant move to enhance food security, create jobs, and diversify Nigeria’s economy, President Bola Tinubu launched the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The initiative, which includes the provision of agricultural machinery and implements, is part of a broader national strategy to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the launch, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in national development and security.
“Food is the heart of security in every society. It is the foundation upon which we build our health, our well-being, and our economic stability. There’s no way we are going to achieve our grand goals as a government, whether at the state or national level, until we support and empower our farmers,” he stressed.
The President noted that the program aims to engage more Nigerians in the nation’s economic life and boost agricultural output.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector, including the livestock industry, citing the recently created Ministry of Livestock Development.
“This ministry is intended to improve livestock production in the country and change the destiny and narratives of our livestock production,” he explained.
Addressing the shift towards modern farming techniques, President Tinubu said, “Each of us in this gathering must come to terms with the fact that the era of relying on rain-fed agriculture is gone. These machines are here to ease our practice of irrigation farming.”
The launch also saw the approval of additional resources for Yobe State’s agricultural ambitions, including mini-rigs for tube wells, solar water pumps, agro-chemicals, power tillers, more fertilizers, and other farm implements to complement the state’s irrigation scheme.
President Tinubu assured the audience that the government is taking drastic measures to address security challenges, making farmlands safe and accessible in every state. “We are taking measures to ensure that farmlands are safe and accessible across the country,” he said.
Vice President Shettima praised Governor Mai Mala Buni’s achievements, particularly in agricultural investments, emphasizing the potential for agricultural mechanization in the state. He also visited the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashim II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, to convey President Tinubu’s high regard for Yobe State and its people.
Governor Buni reaffirmed the state’s support for the Tinubu administration, acknowledging the challenges faced by Yobe, particularly in the agricultural sector.
He highlighted various government initiatives to revitalize agriculture, including an Agricultural Summit, the constitution of a Steering Committee on Revitalization of Agriculture, and partnerships with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu; Senator Osita Izunaso; former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Rep. Khadijah Bukar Abba Ibrahim; Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana; Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Buba Chiroma-Mashio, and his Deputy, Hon. Ya’u Usman Dachia.
