By Ahmad Alabira, Dutse
The federal Government is set to support states in Agricultural production, most especially Jigawa in an effort to attain food security in the country.
This was stated on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris who led a delegation from the presidency and heads of Agencies under his ministry on a courtesy visit to Governor Umar Namadi at Government House Dutse.
Mr Idris said Jigawa State is a pivotal in Nigeria’s quest to attain food security under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Jigawa is also central to the Federal Government’s food security initiative. As you may be aware, Food Security is one of the eight pivotal pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It was here in Jigawa, on November 25, 2023, that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security flagged off the on going dry-season farming in Nigeria under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket program, financed by the African Development Bank,” Mr Idris stressed.
He expressed delight that the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket program, which focus on five key staple commodities rice, maize, wheat, sorghum, and soybeans, is already yielding transformational results, impacting the availability and affordability of food in the country.
According to the minister, harvesting is already going on, saying produce are already making their way to the market.
“This is a very positive narrative, that Jigawa has been instrumental in achieving for the country.
“We look forward to the State playing even more significant roles in attaining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food sufficiency and security agenda.
“The challenges accompanying the reforms being implemented by the President, are necessary prelude to better times for all. Things will certainly get better.
“Some difficult economic decisions have had to be made for the ultimate benefit of the country. The pains are temporary, but the benefits will last and be enjoyed by all,” the Minister stated.
Mr Idris said the ongoing economic reforms have significantly increased the revenues available to all three tiers of Government in the country.
He said federal government is optimistic that more would be done to ensure that States enjoy the support and collaboration of the Federal Government to accomplish their laudable programs for the people.
Idris said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, under his leadership, is poised to restore public trust in public communications.
“We will amplify policies and programs of the Federal Government, reorient national values and deepen the social contract between government and citizens.
“Modernize technology and talent in the Federal Government’s Information and Communications systems and create an enabling operating environment for the media in Nigeria, through favourable policies and incentives,” he added.
Responding, Governor Umar Namadi appreciated the minister for leading the entire federal communication structure to the State.
Namadi said the state has made significant progress in supporting the president’s food security agenda, which has manifested in positioning Jigawa as the leading producer of wheat, hibiscus, sesame, and gum Arabic in Nigeria.
He said 70% of Nigeria’s non-oil exports are made up of hibiscus and sesame, which are products of Jigawa state.
He said the state is also competing for the top spot in rice production in the country.
