President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched an ambitious program to distribute agricultural equipment valued at N14 billion aimed at empowering 5,340 farmers in Yobe State. This initiative is part of the state’s commitment to bolster food security and stimulate economic development nationwide.
The distribution includes a range of essential tools and machinery, such as 100 Zoom Lion tractors, 10 IMC double cabin four-wheel drive vehicles for supervising agricultural extension services, 200 motorcycles for extension workers, and various hand-operated farming implements. Additionally, the farmers will receive 5,349 small ruminants (goats), 4,202 solar-powered irrigation pumps, improved seeds, and 72,000 bags of fertilizer.
Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shattima during the event, President Tinubu praised Governor Mai Mala Buni for his investments in agriculture, highlighting the transformative potential of mechanized farming in the region. He noted that this initiative is part of a broader vision to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
“This program aligns with our administration’s goals to enhance food security, generate employment, and diversify the economy through agriculture,” Tinubu stated. He underscored agriculture’s vital importance for national development and security, asserting that empowering farmers is crucial for achieving governmental objectives at all levels.
Governor Mai Mala Buni echoed these sentiments, stating that despite various challenges, agriculture remains a primary focus for the local population. He noted that improved security has made farmlands accessible across nearly all local government areas in Yobe State.
The governor outlined several initiatives aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector, including an agricultural summit, the formation of a steering committee for agricultural revitalization, and partnerships with organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He also mentioned the establishment of Livestock Development Centres designed to mitigate farmer-herder conflicts and enhance meat and dairy production.
Highlighting the revival of the 2000-hectare Lava Irrigation Scheme and the creation of four sesame seed processing factories, Buni referred to the event as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural empowerment efforts.
The distribution plan involves selecting 30 farmers from each of the 178 electoral wards in Yobe, totaling 5,340 beneficiaries. While tractors and fertilizers will be rented out, all other farming equipment and resources will be provided free of charge to large-scale, medium, and subsistence farmers.
The tractors are to be managed by the State Agricultural Development Programme, which will operate from its headquarters in Damaturu and various zonal offices. The governor emphasized the importance of monitoring this initiative to ensure efficiency, proper maintenance, and accountability regarding the rental income from the tractors.
Buni concluded with a stern warning to beneficiaries, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate any actions that undermine efforts to make agriculture viable, sustainable, and capable of ensuring food security within the state.
