Tinubu Launches Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Yobe

●Reiterates firm determination to create jobs and diversify the Nigerian economy

President Bola Tinubu has launched the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, the state capital, as part of his government’s efforts to ensure food security and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria,

The initiative, which involves the supply of agricultural machinery and tools, is part of a broader national strategy aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Speaking at the launch of the programme in Damaturu, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the programme was at the heart of his administration’s ongoing efforts to improve food security, create jobs and diversify the Nigerian economy through agriculture.

Tinubu stressed the critical role of agriculture in development and national security, saying “food is the heart of security in any society.”

He said: “It is the foundation upon which we build our health, our well-being and our economic stability. There is no way we will achieve our great goals as a government, both at the state and national levels, until we support and empower our farmers.”

The President stressed that, in addition to increasing agricultural production, the initiative also aims to involve more Nigerians in the economic life of the country.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector, including livestock farming.

The President said the recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development is intended to “improve livestock production in the country and change the fate and narratives of our livestock production.”

On the transition to modern farming techniques, the President said: “Everyone in this meeting must come to terms with the fact that the era of relying on rain-fed agriculture is over. These machines are here to facilitate our practice of irrigated agriculture.”

With the launch of the agricultural enhancement programme, the President also approved Yobe State’s request for additional resources to support its agricultural ambitions.

These include “mini tube well equipment, solar water pumps, agrochemicals, rotary tillers, plus fertilizers and other farm tools to supplement your irrigation scheme.”

Tinubu also addressed security concerns, assuring the public that government was “taking drastic measures to address security challenges and make farmlands safe and accessible in every state of the federation.”

Shettima also met with the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashim II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, to express President Tinubu’s profound esteem for Yobe State and its people.

Shettima commended the achievements of Governor Mai Mala Buni, particularly in agricultural investment, highlighting the potential of agricultural mechanization in the state.

The Emir of Damaturu responded by expressing gratitude for the support of President Tinubu and appreciating the administration’s efforts towards national progress.

Earlier, Governor Buni of Yobe State reiterated the state’s support to the Tinubu administration, acknowledging the challenges facing Yobe, particularly in the agricultural sector.

He said: “Despite all the challenges, agriculture remains the primary concern of our people. With improved security across the state, farmland is now accessible in almost all local government areas.”

The governor cited several government initiatives to revitalize agriculture, including an agriculture summit, the formation of an agriculture revitalization steering committee, and partnerships with organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

He added that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, has established livestock development centres to address farmer-herder conflicts and boost meat and dairy production.

Buni also highlighted the revival of the Lava Irrigation Scheme, a 2,000-hectare irrigation project, and the establishment of four sesame seed processing factories across the state.

“This state visit is undoubtedly a significant milestone as we launch the agricultural enhancement programme,” he added.

The items distributed include 100 Zoom Lion tractors, 10 IMC Double Cabin 4WD vehicles for extension supervision, 200 motorcycles for extension workers, 300 sets of bullock ploughs, 5,349 small ruminants (goats), 1,349 hand-push planters, 889 hand-push ploughs, 590 hand-push cultivators, 4,202 solar-powered irrigation pumps, improved assorted seeds and 72,000 bags of fertilizer.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; the National Vice Chairman of the APC (North), Honourable Ali Bukar Dalori; the National Vice Chairman of the APC (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu; Senator Osita Izunaso; former Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Representative Khadijah Bukar Abba Ibrahim; the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana; the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Honourable Buba Chiroma-Mashio, and his Deputy, Honourable Ya’u Usman Dachia.

Also present were the Yobe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka; Yobe State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Mohammed Gagiyo; former Special Adviser on Budget, Alhaji Sulieman Jamo; Emir Jajeri, Mai Hamza ibn Buba Mashio; Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Sulaiman; Chief Justice of Yobe, Gumna Kashim Kaigama; Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Garba; members of the House of Representatives, Lawan Shettima, Fatima Talba and Tijjani Zanna Zakariyya, among others.

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