Member Representing Jere Federal Constituency of Borno in the House of Representatives, Ahmed Satomi, has supported 160 farmers in his constituency with N140 million to engage in livestock and poultry production.
Speaking at the ceremony to disburse the funds in Maiduguri on Thursday, Satomi said the gesture is part of an effort towards reducing the negative effects of the current economic hardship in the country as well as boosting agricultural activities in his constituency.
He explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from different areas within his constituency and have received all necessary training for rearing and fattening of animals, agro-allied and another agricultural value chain.
The lawmaker noted agriculture as the only solution to the current Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Among the 160 beneficiaries, Satomi said 91 farmers received one million naira each, while the rest got N500,000 each to start rearing goats and sheep.
“The aim is to boost agricultural activities in Jere Federal Constituency, since agriculture remains the best way to support many people out of poverty. If people have access to food, hardship will reduce and the economy will automatically develop.
“Today, I’m supporting them with the token to start up after the prerequisite training, looking at the economy of Nigeria, agriculture is the only solution for now that the common man can embark on. The state Governor has made Borno a peaceful place,” the lawmaker said.
He stressed further that he has through the Satomi Integrated Farm, tried as much as possible to make sure that his constituents have gone back to their agricultural activities.
In his remarks, Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum lauded the lawmaker for his gesture and urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the opportunity so that they can also empower others.