Gov. Buni flags off livestock farmers’ support programme
Story from Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has flagged off the distributions of animal traction livelihood support to 356 vulnerable farmers across the 178 political wards of the 17 local government areas of the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Dikumari Community of Damaturu local government area, Governor Buni said his administration prioritises agriculture being the major pre-occupation of the people of the state and as such the government would continue to consolidate on the state’s agricultural policies to improve production.
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Buni said that the scheme “Animal Traction Support Programme” is providing a pair of healthy bulls and plough to two beneficiaries from each of the 178 political wards in the state making a total of 356 beneficiaries across the state.
He noted that the programme targeted the poor, vulnerable, orphans, widows and persons with special needs to provide them with sustainable means of livelihood.
The governor further revealed that in Nigeria “we are faced with activities of Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping in some parts of the country, and the flood recorded this year may continue to affect food production and course insufficiency.
“Therefore, we need to develop an alternative measure like improving irrigation schemes to avoid over dependent on rainfall.”
The governor further revealed that government would also continue to support the state farmers with all the necessary agricultural input.
“We will also continue to partner with local and international partners and other support groups to improve agriculture, food security and economic empowerment of our people,” Buni added.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials for the purpose intended as the government would not tolerate any act of diversion or sale of the empowerment materials.
In her remarks, the Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Mairo Ahmed Amshi, said the programme is a proven testimony of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s commitment and interest in boosting agriculture.
She thanked the governor for all the support he has given to see that agriculture is developed in the state.
