President Bola Tinubu yesterday inaugurated the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, the state capital.
This initiative, which provides agricultural machinery and implements, is part of a broader national strategy to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, highlighted the programme’s central role in enhancing food security, creating jobs, and diversifying Nigeria’s economy through agriculture.
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president’s media aide, Tinubu emphasized the critical importance of agriculture for national development and security, stating, “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. We cannot achieve our grand goals as a government, whether at the state or national level, until we support and empower our farmers.”
Tinubu added that the initiative aims not only to boost agricultural output but also to engage more Nigerians in the nation’s economic activities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector, including the livestock industry. The recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development aims to improve livestock production and change the destiny and narratives of livestock farming in Nigeria.
Addressing the shift towards modern farming techniques, Tinubu stated, “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.”
During his visit to Yobe, Shettima also called on 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, and emphasized the potential for agricultural mechanization in the state.
In response, the Emir of Damaturu expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s support and appreciated the administration’s efforts towards national progress. Governor Buni reaffirmed the state’s support for the Tinubu administration, acknowledging the agricultural challenges Yobe faces. “Despite 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 local government areas,” he said.
The governor mentioned several government initiatives to revitalize agriculture, including an agricultural summit, the formation of a steering committee on agricultural revitalization, and partnerships with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
