Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, has assured that his administration is willing to partner with any organization that is determined to foster development in food production.
The governor also expressed the state’s desire to support and join any food development-centered organization, to achieve food sufficiency in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
He gave the assurance at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Sunday when he received the leadership and members of the Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria (AFGASAN ), led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Ahmed Pambeguwa.
Bagudu said the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, had impacted a legacy of wealth creation, employment generation and economic prosperity, through its active policy of agricultural revival.
He further explained that Buhari’s sincere commitment to attaining food security for the nation, propelled him to become the Chairman of the National Food Security Council (with the governor) as the Deputy Chairman.
Bagudu also acknowledged that, “God has blessed Nigeria with fertile agricultural land, suitable for cultivation all-year round.”
He stressed that the present administration will utilise such endowments by encouraging and providing the necessary material as well as financial support to the farmers, to increase yields.
Bagudu commended Buhari for protecting the interests of local farmers by prohibiting cheap foods import through border closure, thereby uplifting the value of agricultural produce internally.
“President Buhari did not just close our borders simply because he wants to do so, it is because he has the interest of protecting Nigerian farmers first,” he said.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to the provision of finance, farm inputs, implements and training on modern farming methodologies to farmers in Kebbi State.
He accepted his appointment as the National Patron of the Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria, describing it as an honour done to him, which would propel him to do more towards achieving food availability in the country.
He told members of the Association of his intention to facilitate a courtesy visit to President Buhari by the leadership of the organisation at a later date.
Earlier, Pambeguwa informed Bagudu that members of the Association were in Birnin Kebbi for a meeting and inauguration of the State chapter.
Pambeguwa described Bagudu as the Architect of agricultural revolution in Nigeria, who is worthy of emulation.
“Your efforts in the agricultural sector in country has made it possible for Nigeria to attain self sufficiency in rice production.”
He conferred the position of the National Grand Patron of the Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria on the Governor Bagudu in recognition of his formidable achievements in the
revival of agriculture in the country.
Alhaji Haruna further told the governor that, the Personal Assistant to the Governor, P.A, Alhaji Faruq Musa Enabo and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu have been active members of the Association.
The National Chairman requested the governor to convey their sincere appreciation and commendation to President Buhari for his sustainable and incisive policy of improving agricultural production and protecting the rights, privileges,as well as interests of Nigerian Farmers.
