President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through mechanisation, saying modern farming is the key to ending hunger, achieving food security and empowering millions of Nigerians.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Katsina State mechanised agriculture and urban renewal projects yesterday, President Tinubu said, “We are investing in mechanised agriculture. The old style of agriculture is gone. Today’s commissioning is a testament to our commitment to banish hunger, achieve food sovereignty, and empower our farmers both small and large-scale.”
He praised Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for executing major agricultural and projects within a short time in office.
“The strength and effort you put into this project is extremely commendable,” Tinubu noted, adding that agriculture remained at the heart of his administration’s strategy for national development.
The president also acknowledged the contributions of former governors Ibrahim Shehu Shema and Aminu Bello Masari and appreciated the large crowd that welcomed him, describing the visit as a “homecoming.”
“Katsina is a home to democracy, freedom, and hope,” he said while paying tribute to the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and former president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
In his remarks, Governor Radda said the projects were the fulfilment of his campaign promises and were central to his administration’s vision of a more prosperous Katsina.
“Katsina is an agrarian state and our people depend on agriculture for their livelihood,” the governor said, “We have over 450,000 farmers, each cultivating an average of 2.5 hectares. These farmers need access to modern equipment and infrastructure.”
The mechanised agriculture centre, commissioned by the president, will serve all 34 local government areas.
The facility houses over 400 directors, multi-functional harvesters, and 1,000 multitasker machines designed to enhance productivity per hectare and support food security.
Governor Radda also highlighted the Urban Renewal Project, which includes the construction of 55.5 km of dual carriage roads totalling over 110 km of township roads completed within 18 months. In total, over 160 km of roads have been constructed across the state in the past two years.
He noted that the state government is also investing in clean water and energy, with the SURWASH project providing potable water to over one million people and a 5-megawatt solar power project underway to cut government spending by 50 per cent.
“States need to provide agricultural facilities to their people,” the governor said, “Food security is directly linked to economic security in Katsina, and these projects are instrumental to building a better future.”
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to partner with states like Katsina to ensure long-term development, security and prosperity through agricultural transformation.
