The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has been honored with the prestigious Diamond Prize for Excellence in Food Security by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The award, which also confers on him the title of NIPR Patron, was presented during a ceremony held at the Ahmadu Bello Hall, State Secretariat, Dutse.
The President of the NIPR, Ike Neliaku, praised Governor Namadi as a leader of exceptional integrity and dedication, emphasizing his tireless efforts in serving the people of Jigawa.
According to Neliaku, the award is a reflection of the governor’s transformative achievements in agriculture and other pro-poor policies since assuming office.
“This recognition is a result of a rigorous evaluation of his accomplishments across key sectors,” Neliaku said. “Governor Namadi exemplifies visionary leadership and has shown unwavering commitment to food security, governance, and national development.”
During the event, Neliaku announced plans to establish initiatives in the governor’s honor, including the NIPR Umar Namadi Prize for the best graduating student in Mass Communications and the Umar Namadi Centre of Excellence in Development and Agricultural Communication at two state institutions.
The NIPR leadership revealed that their decision to confer the award followed a detailed review of data and reports highlighting the direct impact of Governor Namadi’s policies on the lives of citizens, particularly the underprivileged and children.
In his remarks, NIPR Vice President Emmanuel Dandaura noted the state’s significant progress in mitigating flood risks, including the construction of over 100 kilometers of embankments to protect communities and farmlands.
He also highlighted the governor’s contributions to school feeding programs, which saw a 40% budget increase, and the allocation of N250 million to UNICEF for combating malnutrition with therapeutic food supplies.
Governor Namadi’s agricultural policies have driven youth empowerment and expanded land cultivation, significantly enhancing food security for the state, the nation, and the continent.
Accepting the award, Governor Namadi expressed profound gratitude and dedicated the honor to the people of Jigawa, particularly farmers, civil servants, and development partners who contributed to the administration’s achievements.
“This award is a testament to our collective efforts in achieving milestones in agriculture and development,” the governor stated. “Food security is a core objective of our administration’s 12-Point Agenda and aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, highlighting key achievements such as:
1. Irrigation Development: Expanding infrastructure to support year-round farming and boost productivity.
2. Modernized Farming Practices: Introducing mechanized systems that have enhanced efficiency and output.
3. Farmer Support Programs: Providing subsidized inputs, certified seeds, and training, with a focus on women and youth.
4. Agro-Processing Initiatives: Promoting value addition to agricultural products, creating jobs, and increasing income.
5. Livestock Development: Investing in livestock production to improve nutrition and economic empowerment.
6. Future Strategy: Plans to establish an Agricultural Transformation Agency in 2025 to accelerate development.
The event concluded with Governor Namadi expressing hope that these initiatives would further drive Jigawa’s agricultural transformation and secure its place as a model for sustainable development.