From Muhammad Ahmad Saka, in Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has launched the “ Irrigate Nigeria Project” to boost mechanized farming and revolutionise agriculture in the state.
The project, which is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to empower youths and women through all-season agriculture activities.
The Irrigate Nigeria Project is being implemented by the National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The project’s goal is to unlock Nigeria’s vast arable land through irrigation and provide market-driven support for sustainable growth and development.
Speaking at the occasion in Udubo, Gamawa Local Government Area, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed said the project will see 30,000 hectares of land harvested annually in Udubo.
He said the project will boost food availability and security through dry season farming and other agricultural activities.
Governor Bala said his administration is committed to modernising agriculture in the State, and allocated 50,000 hectares of land in Toro LGA for various agricultural activities.
He said that the project will increase farming capacity, economic growth, and food security for Nigerian farmers.
Governor Bala said The project is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy and food security, and the government has assured that it will ensure the sustainability of the project to attract more participants across the state.
He commended President Bola Tinubu on the inauguration of the Irrigate Nigeria Project saying it is a testimony of his leadership ingenuity and innovative.spirit to remove millions of citizens out of hunger.
The governor described the move as ‘historic and a testimony of shared vision to transform the country’s infrastructural sector to ensure food security.
He commended NASENI under RHIDA as representatives of the government, private sector, development partners and community stakeholders for spearheading the initiative
“NASENI is setting the pace for a new model of large scale commercial agriculture that is transparent, well structured,” he said
“Unlike previous agricultural funding models that were abused despite the trillions spent, this initiative is built on accountability, innovation, intellect and sustainability”
He predicted that the Irrigate Nigeria Project, if implemented according to design, would have a multiplier effect across the agricultural value chain, both vertically and horizontally.
“It will drive knowledge transfer, introduce advanced technology and distribute wealth equitably, ensuring that even the most vulnerable of our society benefit from this transformation” the governor said.
He said this is the kind of structured agricultural interventions that Nigeria needs: one that prioritizes proximity, accountability and long time economic impact
“The programme is more than just about farming, it is about food security, economic empowerment and national stability. It aligned perfectly with our broader goal of expanding irrigation farming, reducing dependence on retail agriculture and promoting sustainable agricultural infrastructure.
“The success of commercial agriculture in a place like Udubo, close to the Sahel desert of Yobe goes with the right technology and ideas.
“Every part of Nigeria can achieve all year agriculture production.
“This initiative will not only transform Gamawa but will serve as a model for other regions across Nigeria”
Earlier in a welcome remark, Khalil Sulieman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Chairman of NASENI, explained that the goal of the Irrigate Nigeria Project was to transform Nigeria ‘s agricultural system through sustainable irrigation system that empower farmers all-year round farming.
Halilu said key fixtures of the project, among others, werr deployment of centralized irrigation systems to form farming clusters with participating communities, provision of inputs, enhancing fertilizer and providing technical support to participating farmers.
In his opening remark, Dr Zach Adedeji of RHIDF, said the launch was a fulfilment of the promise to ensure food security for Nigerian citizens.
Adedeji thanked the governor of Bauchi State for the support through provision of an enabling environment and unflinching support for the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria project in the state.
There was a great enthusiasm that greeted the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project as thousands gathered at the venue of the launching with high hopes that a common man too may benefit from the project.
Many farmers interviewed prayed to the government to ensure that real farmers at the grassroots benefit from the project, not only large scale or political farmers.
