The Agro-Allied Community Development Service (CDS) Group of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has launched a transformative outreach in the Rigachikun community.
Held on May 12, 2025, the event, themed “Empowering Farmers through Sustainable Agriculture, Agro-Tech Innovation, and Greener Practices”, convened local farmers, government officials, agro-tech experts, and community leaders—all united in their vision to modernize farming and encourage eco-friendly practices. It was organsed in a bold move to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility.
The outreach was spearheaded by CDS President Sani Modibbo and his dedicated executive team, with support from NYSC CDS Staff Advisor Aisha Yusuf and Local Government Inspector Hussaini Aliyu Bala. The program followed extensive community research that identified Rigachikun—a predominantly agrarian town with 9 of its 12 wards engaged in active farming—as a strategic intervention point.
Held at the palace of the Hakimi of Rigachikun, the program attracted over 100 participants, including women involved in small-scale farming. Dignitaries present included the Vice Chairman of Igabi LGA, Kabiru Sambo; officials from the Kaduna State Ministries of Environment and Agriculture; the principal of Government Secondary School Nasarawan Rigachikun; and representatives from Al’zira’A Agro-Tech Solutions.
After the national and NYSC anthems and an opening prayer, the CDS President welcomed guests, followed by a goodwill message from the Hakimi of Rigachikun, Wamban Dokon Zazzau Malam Ibrahim Sani Zazzau, who encouraged full community engagement.
Innovation in action
A major highlight was a 40-minute practical session by Umar Farouk Dalhatu, Managing Director of Al’zira’A Agro-Tech Solutions, who demonstrated improved fertilizer application techniques and promoted the use of high-yield seed varieties.
This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Godwin Michael Jaddi, Assistant Director of Forestry, Kaduna State Ministry of Environment. He spoke passionately on the role of forests in food security, environmental sustainability, and climate change mitigation.
Voices from the field: New perspectives
The interactive Q&A session moderated by NYSC Agro-Allied specialists sparked lively discussions. Farmers compared traditional methods with modern techniques while government officials shared updates on farmer support programs.
Smallholder farmer Abubakar Safiyanu remarked:
“This program is truly impactful. I now understand the difference between organic and chemical fertilizers. Organic options are safer for the environment, healthier for us, and better for the food we produce.”
Aisha Muhammad, a woman farmer, added:
“This project opened our eyes and bridged a huge gap. We’ve learned simple, modern methods we can apply at home. Now, we have direct contact with experts offering training and support. We’re no longer on our own.”
Greening the community
To reinforce the message of environmental sustainability, a symbolic tree-planting exercise was conducted at the Emir’s palace and extended to local schools, including the 83-year-old Malam Jalo Model Primary School and the Government Secondary School Unguwan Nasarawa. Saplings were provided by the Ministry of Environment, along with planting guidance.
Al’zira’A Agro-Tech Solutions further demonstrated its commitment by offering free product support to women farmers and pledging continuous training, sensitization, and access to soft loans.
Leadership applause
In his closing remarks, the District Head of Rigachikun praised the corps members for their innovation and thanked all contributors. He urged local farmers to apply the knowledge shared.
The Vice Chairman of Igabi LGA, Hon. Kabiru Sambo, also commended the initiative:
“This is a perfectly targeted project that complements our agricultural development efforts. The NYSC Agro-Allied CDS group deserves full support.”
Conclusion
This impactful initiative highlighted the strength of youth-led community development and reinforced the core NYSC goal of fostering national unity and grassroots empowerment. By bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, the Agro-Allied CDS group has set a powerful example of how corps members can be agents of transformation—planting seeds for a more resilient, sustainable future in rural Nigeria.
