By Abdul Kareem
The launching of the multi-billion naira Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday, July 20, promises to transform farming practices and significantly ensure food security in the state.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the comprehensive programme, underscoring its potential to revolutionize agriculture through the distribution of modern tools and equipment.
The initiative is designed to directly benefit over 5,000 farmers, enhancing their productivity and contributing to the state’s food security.
A historic distribution of tools for mechanized agriculture took place an an elaborate event attended by visiting governors Babagana Zulum of Borno and Hope Uzodimma of Imo, along with other top dignitaries from Yobe, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan. This unprecedented event marked the largest ever provision of such tools in the state.
Governor Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe State, in his address during the ceremony, expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for his presence and support. He highlighted the severe challenges Yobe State has faced, including security threats, erosion, desert encroachment, and low rainfall, which have collectively hindered agricultural productivity and impacted the predominantly farming population.
Despite these challenges, Governor Buni noted the resilience of Yobe’s agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of the state’s economy. He said improved security has made farmlands more accessible, setting the stage for initiatives like the Agricultural Empowerment Programme to thrive.
Governor Buni outlined several key components of the programme aimed at revitalizing agriculture in Yobe State; which include convening of agric Summit to boost productivity; setting up steering committee for agriculture revitalization and strategic oversight.
Governor Buni said a sector strategic plan has been developed with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; the Agricultural Policy Document**: Focused on food security and economic diversification, validated with the EU-Yobe Public Finance Management Project and DAI International.
The governor also listed livestock his administration has established Livestock Development Centers (LDCs) in partnership with the federal government to mitigate farmer-herdsmen conflicts and promote commercial pasture, meat, and dairy production.
“We have revived a 2000-hectare Lava Irrigation Scheme in Bursari Local Government Area for wheat, rice, and vegetable cultivation.
Sesame Seed Processing Factories have been set up in Damaturu, Nguru, Machina, and Potiskum, while agricultural development programme has been rehabilitated at the headquarters and zonal offices to improve farmer extension services.
Our Damaturu International Cargo Airport has been established for transporting agricultural products both domestically and internationally.
Amidst cheers and applause from guests and beneficiaries, Governor Buni announced that for the newly launched mechanized agriculture plan 100 tractors, 300 sets of ploughs, 20,000 bags of fertilizer, 1,349 hand planters, 8,000 harvesters, 200 motorcycles for agricultural extension officers, Hilux vans for zonal offices, Over 1,000 threshers, Thousands of bags of various seeds, 889 hand push plough machines, 4,000 solar-powered water pumps, 8,000 hand planters, 8,000 rakes, 4,000 harrows, 4,000 cultivators, 8,000 harvesters many Pesticides would be inaugurated for free distribution and subsidised procurement.
Visibly impressed Vice President Shettima emphasized the critical role of food security, stating, “food is the heart of security in every society and the foundation of our health, well-being, and economic stability.”
He praised the programme’s timing, noting its potential to achieve government goals by empowering farmers with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge to enhance agricultural output and contribute to Nigeria’s collective well-being.
Additionally, he said the programme would create jobs, especially for youth and women in rural communities, driving economic growth and development through agricultural investment.
Shettima highlighted the state’s efforts to make agriculture attractive, citing the establishment of sesame seed processing factories and a cargo airport as key developments that enhance production capacity and foster economic diversification.
The VP announced the approval of a new Ministry of Livestock Development to improve livestock production and align with global best practices. He assured the state of continued federal support for additional farming implements to complement it’s irrigation scheme. He expressed optimism for a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria through the Agricultural Empowerment Programme.
Highpoint of the occasion was cutting of the tape to launch an era of full mechanised farming and a historic driving of the modern tractors round the massive square.
The Humanitarian Times 