President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the multi-billion-naira agricultural empowerment programme supplied by the Yobe State governor
Hon Mai Mala Buni for distribution to at least 5,340 farmers in the state.
The President represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima has while launching the programme at the August 27th Stadium Damaturu, described governor Buni’s huge investment and intervention in the supply of thousands on farm implements including 100 tractors among others as against stride towards turning agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial or mechanized for food security in the country.
President Tinubu stated that a nation as diverse and vibrant as Nigeria, the provision of sufficient and nutritious food should be a fundamental priority that must be pursued with dedication and vigour across all ties of government for better results.
“The Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme couldn’t have come at a better time. There is no way we are going to achieve our grand goals as a government whether at a state or national level until we support and empower our famers.
“We must ensure that they have the tools, resources and knowledge to optimize their production capacity. By doing so we not only enhance our agricultural output but also contribute to our collective quest to ensure that every Nigerian is well fed and fully engaged in the economic drive of our nation.
“Every intervention to boost agriculture plays a crucial role in the local economy. Initiatives like this enhance food security, offers new avenues for employment particularly for our youths and women who are the backbone of our rural community,” he said.
The president used the forum and commended the people of Yobe State for demonstrating strong resilience to reclaim their means of livelihood after encouraging improvement in the security situation across the state and the northeast sub region.
“This support by the Yobe State government will therefore make agriculture attractive and improve the farming population in the state to attain food security and economic prosperity.
“With the improvement in security in Yobe state and the north east generally, it is my hope that people will take the advantage of such interventions to move from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
“The establishment of four sesame seed processing factories in the state and the cargo airport to promote international trade in sesame seed, gum Arabic and livestock, I am more than confidence that this programme will enhance the production capacity of Yobe State and drives its partnership with the federal government, other states and corporate organizations to achieve the desired diversification.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the agricultural sector, including the livestock industry.
The President said the recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development is intended “to improve livestock production in the country and to change the destiny and narratives of our livestock production.”
Governor Buni has while speaking said his administration decided to embark on the supply of the multi-billion naira farm implements with a view to boosting the agricultural production being the major occupation of the people of Yobe State.
He said, “In spite of all the challenges, agriculture remains the major preoccupation of our people. With the improvement in security across the state, farmlands are now accessible in almost all the local government areas.”
The governor who outlined some of the majors taken by his administration to rejuvenate agriculture which include an Agricultural Summit, constitution of a Steering Committee on Revitalization of Agriculture, and partnerships with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation among others said the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, has established Livestock Development Centres to address farmer-herdsmen clashes and boost meat and dairy production.
He commended president Tinubu for the visit, describing it as a significant milestone towards boosting agriculture for food security.
Buni said the distribution arrangement was made based on 30 farmers in each of the 178 electoral wards of the state making a total of 5,340 farmers to benefit from the scheme.
“Except for the tractors and fertilizer, all the other agricultural equipment and inputs are to be given out free to our large-scale, medium, and subsistence farmers.”
He said that the tractors are to be in the custody of the State Agricultural Development Programme at the Headquarters in Damaturu andthe zonal offices in Buni Yadi, Geidam, Gashua, Nguru, and Potiskum, to be hired out to individuals and group farmers.
DNews Info is a trusted source for breaking news, insightful commentary, and in-depth coverage of events across Nigeria and beyond. With a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and engaging stories, we aim to keep our readers informed and empowered. Stay connected for the latest updates in politics, business, entertainment, and more.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
