President Bola Tinubu yesterday launched the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, the state capital.
The initiative, which includes the provision of agricultural machinery and implements, is part of a broader national strategy to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking during the launch, Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima 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.
The president in a statement by the media aide of the vice president, Stanley Nkwocha, stressed the critical role of agriculture in national development and security, saying, “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.”
Tinubu noted that apart from boosting agricultural output, the initiative also aims to engage more Nigerians in the nation’s economic life.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to modernise the agricultural sector, including the livestock industry.
He said the recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development was intended to improve livestock production in the country and to change the destiny and narratives of livestock production.
Addressing the shift towards modern farming techniques, the president 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.”
Shettima 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.
He praised Governor Mai Mala Buni’s achievements, particularly in agricultural investments, emphasising the potential for agricultural mechanisation in the state.
Responding, the Emir of Damaturu expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s support and appreciated the administration’s efforts towards national progress.
Governor Buni of Yobe State reaffirmed the state’s support for the Tinubu administration, acknowledging the challenges faced by Yobe, particularly in the agricultural sector.
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 mentioned several government initiatives to revitalise agriculture, including an agricultural summit, the constitution of a steering committee on revitalisation of agriculture and partnerships with organisations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
