President Bola Tinubu has launched the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, the state capital, as part of efforts to ensure food security and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria.
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 of the programme in Damaturu, President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima said the programme is at the heart of his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security, create jobs, and diversify Nigeria’s economy through agriculture.
President Tinubu stressed the critical role of agriculture in national development and security, saying “food is the heart of security in every society.”
He noted that apart from boosting agricultural output, the initiative also aims to engage more Nigerians in the nation’s economic life, restating government’s commitment to modernising the agricultural sector, including the livestock industry.
The President said the recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development is intended “to improve livestock production in the country and to change the destiny and narratives of our 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.”
The launch of the agric empowerment programme also saw President Tinubu approving Yobe State’s request for additional resources to support its agricultural ambitions.
Vice President Shettima who represented the President at the event also 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.
VP Shettima 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 President Tinubu’s support and appreciated the administration’s efforts towards national progress.
Earlier, 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.”
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
