The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Tinubu has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to modernising the agricultural sector and livestock industry.
The President, who was represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance on Saturday, at the launch of the Yobe Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu.
The initiative included the provision of agricultural machinery and implements, as part of a broader national strategy to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The president said the programme was at the heart of his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security, create jobs, and diversify Nigeria’s economy through agriculture.
He stressed the critical role of agriculture in national development and security, saying, “Food is the heart of security in every society.”
“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 added.
He added that aside boosting agricultural outputs, the initiative aims to engage more Nigerians in the nation’s economic life.
He said the recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development intends to improve livestock production and change the destiny and narratives of the nation’s livestock production.
The president announced the approval of the Yobe’s request for additional resources to support its agricultural ambitions.
” These include mini-rigs for tube wells, solar water pumps, agrochemicals, power tillers, more fertilisers, and other farm implements to complement your irrigation scheme,” the president promised.
The president also addressed security concerns, assuring the audience that the government was taking drastic measures to address the security challenges to make farmlands safe and accessible in every state.
He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe’s achievements, particularly in agricultural investments, emphasising the potential for agricultural mechanisation in the state.
Earlier, Mr Buni reaffirmed the state’s sustained support for Mr Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging the challenges faced by Yobe, particularly in the agricultural sector.
He added that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, had established Livestock Development Centres to address farmer-herdsmen clashes and boost meat and dairy production.
Mr Buni also disclosed the revival of the 2000-hectare Lava Irrigation Scheme and the establishment of four Sesame Seeds processing factories across the state.