The Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA) has formalized a crucial partnership with the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture aimed at enhancing agricultural production, creating jobs, and driving economic development for youth and women in the Shiroro local government area.
This significant collaboration was confirmed in a statement issued by Lawal Mu’azu, Chief Press Secretary of COSA.
According to the statement, the agreement was reached during a visit by COSA members to the Ministry of Agriculture, where they held fruitful discussions with the Commissioner, Salihu Bosso.
COSA expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for his support and emphasized the potential impact of the partnership on the local economy.
The association advocated for the ministry’s assistance in cultivating government-owned lands in Gunu and Shakwatu, two communities in Shiroro local government.
In addition, COSA requested that Shiroro be considered in various state agricultural programs, including irrigation farming, to leverage the resources of the two major dams located within the area.
They also urged the ministry to include residents of Shiroro in the distribution of farming equipment, as the majority of the population relies heavily on agriculture for their livelihood.
The statement highlighted the need for government support in educating Shiroro’s youth on the vast opportunities available in agriculture.
COSA stressed that collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture would have a profound impact on the community and contribute to the overall development of the region.
In response, the Commissioner disclosed that the Niger State Government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three companies for the cultivation and production of sugarcane, with four out of six sugar mills planned for Shiroro.
He commended the association for its commitment to community development and urged COSA to encourage residents to make their farmlands accessible to the government for cultivation.
The commissioner further elaborated on the ministry’s efforts to promote community-government farming initiatives, which align with Niger State’s broader goal of achieving agricultural revolution and ensuring food security.
He reaffirmed that the partnership with COSA was now official and poised to yield significant benefits for the people of Shiroro.
This collaboration is expected to significantly improve farming practices, empower local farmers, and stimulate economic growth in the Shiroro area, driving Niger State’s ambitions to become a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
