As part of measures to further boost food security, the Yobe State governor Hon Mai Mala Buni has launched the distribution of irrigation farming inputs to 1000 beneficiaries selected from across the 17 local government areas of the state.
A statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor Hussaini Mai Suleh said the governor launched the at the IBB state secretariat in Damaturu the Yobe State capital.
Represented by his deputy Hon Idi Barde Gubana, the governor described the distribution of the inputs as apt especially that Yobe being one of the states that suffered a decade age insurgency and the recent high inflation rates necessitated by fuel subsidy removal need programs that will facilitate growth and self-reliance.
Buni said the distribution of the inputs will apart from supporting dry farming activities also assist farmers prepare adequately ahead of this year’s rainy season in the state.
The governor commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for extending the full support to the farmers across the state.
“The dry-season farming inputs support will go a long way in boosting food production for the benefit of the state and the nation at large.
“In 2023, the Yobe State government launches the distribution of 1,900 irrigation water pumps and accessories, 125 commercial pick- up tricycles and 125 commercial tricycles or Keke NAPEP in addition to empowering 500 hundred youths from rural communities with skills acquisition materials such as sewing machines, barbing saloon kits among others.”
He advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the inputs provided to them for food security in the state and the country as a whole.
The managing director and Chief Executive Officer of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Mohammad G Alkali, represented by the state coordinator Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abbas said the commission decided
to provided the support based on the facts agriculture has the potentials of creating more wealth and job opportunities to unemployed youths in the state.
Prof Abbas used the forum and highlighted some of the achievements of NEDC in the state, which includes construction of mega schools, health facilities, houses, provision of learning material and distribution of foodstuffs as palliative to the vulnerable and less privileged among others.
The commissioner Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation, Hon Aji Yerima Bularafa expressed happiness with the support, which he said will encourage farmers to use the farming inputs and improve their farming activities.
