Plateau State government has commissioned 20 tractors for farming communities across the state to ensure food security and economic empowerment of the eople of the state.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the commissioning ceremony which followed the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) Day/CRF disbursement at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos, said the tractors would be effectively utilised to benefit the state and its people.
He said the government, through the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme, had mapped out plans to secure over 200 tractors to further boost agricultural activities and ensure food security.
In addition to the commissioning of tractors, Governor Mutfwang presented a $250,000 Community Revolving Fund (CRF) cheque to 10 communities.
This initiative, supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the state government under ACReSAL, aims to provide financial empowerment in rural communities.
Each community received $25,000 with the funds expected to be repaid after a specified period to empower other communities in the state.
The beneficiary communities include Guratop, Kerang, Zamko, Ampang West, Dinting, Jimin, Kaler, Plateau Club/Bingham, Pishe, Yashi and Wereh.
Addressing the communities, the governor charged them to make optimal use of the funds, emphasising that the initiative was designed to create a revolving financial opportunity for broader community development.
“I want to thank the World Bank for the initiatives you’ve introduced on the Plateau. Let me assure you that by the grace of God, none of these projects will fail. We are committed to ensuring that the funds and equipment are judiciously used to uplift our people.
“Beyond implementing projects, our focus is to ensure that these investments lift our people out of poverty. The bottom line is to improve the standard of living of our people by reducing poverty,” the governor said.
Mutfwang urged people of Plateau State to unite in supporting government initiatives, cautioning against divisive tendencies that hinder progress. He also highlighted the need for every available piece of land, especially in schools, to be cultivated during the coming farming season.
The World Bank country director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, congratulated the beneficiary communities and underscored the importance of addressing climate change’s adverse effects on agriculture.
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