2023 Farming Season: Maikalangu Distributes Farming Inputs To Over 500 AMAC 

The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Honourable Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has urged farmers in the 12 wards of the council not to sell farming inputs distributed to them by his administration, otherwise they will be blacklisted from future empowerment.

Speaking on Saturday in Abuja, during the flag-off ceremony of the 2023 farming season and presentation of farming inputs to farmers across the 12 wards of the Council, Maikalangu said that the presentation of the farming and household items is in demonstration of the administration’s commitment to promote social and economic growth of the beneficiaries.

He said: “The formal flag-off ceremony to herald the 2023 farming season in Abuja Municipal Area Council is indeed very significant to me, given the place of farming and agriculture in the life of the people of AMAC.

“Like you know, this event is an annual ritual organized to celebrate and empower farmers as we also sensitize them on new and best farming practices, among others.

“Perhaps equally important is our innate desires to be responsive to the yearnings of the electorate by providing some relief with the donation of farming and household items that will assist in their daily farming and family lives.

“To this end, we are today presenting farming and household items in demonstration of our commitment to promote social and economic growth of respective beneficiaries.

“On our part as a Council, we have a deliberate policy direction that aims at improving and enhancing the capacity of farmers. Our annual distribution of free fertilizer has been of immense support and worthy investment in our agricultural sector.” 

“This year’s farming season, we are providing 600 bags of fertilizers, agro chemicals, 20 wheel barrows, nap sack sprayers, smoking kiln, hoes, cutlasses, rain boots and hand gloves to be distributed free to farmers in Abuja Municipal Area Council. 

“We have also provided 2 Bajaj Motorcycle for Agriculture Extension workers. These fertilizers and other farm implements must not be diverted. It should get to the farmers to enhance improve crop yield and increase income and potential livelihood for our people. 

“Agriculture is a panacea to social vices, therefore we should encourage our youth to engage themselves in agriculture activities because Idleness is very dangerous.

“However, I wish to reiterate that our efforts to improve harmonious relationship between farmers and herdsmen will not in any way diminished so that farmers and herders cannot see themselves as enemies.

“Due to the urban renewal policy program of the FCT, most of our farm lands have been taken over by developers. Our farmers can no longer access farm lands for their subsistence farming and other agricultural purposes. This has greatly affected the growth of agriculture in the council, which is one of the viable economic empowerment of our people. 

“In the light of the above, I am humbly making a passionate appeal to FCTA of our expedient need for integrated demonstration farm land in the Council, this will help boost agricultural production in AMAC.

“Our administration places greater premium on agriculture, the oldest profession in the world. We shall give more commitment to it just as we aspire to provide social amenities and rural infrastructure to our rural communities.

“At this juncture, I wish to draw the attention of beneficiaries to regard our modest gesture as a way of empowering them. You should therefore NEVER contemplate selling what we are presenting to you as we will blacklist those that do so.”

He continued: “The inputs will also be distributed to farmers at the hinterlands in the coming weeks. As you know, many farmers are in inaccessible areas. Before they can come out here, it will be difficult. Those are the real farmers. Therefore, we plan to take the farming inputs to them in the coming weeks. We will get as much as money can allow. 

“I promised myself that any money that comes in, we will get input for farmers. We need food security in AMAC and FCT in general. Therefore, those who didn’t get today should be positive because they will ger tomorrow. It is a promise. We will reach as many farmers as possible so that many can be empowered. 

“On this note, it is my pleasure to formally declare the 2023 farming season open as we commence the distribution of farming inputs to farmers accordingly.”

The Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture, Hon. Saleh Zakari Biu, said the inputs will be closely monitored by traditional rulers and security agencies to avoid the items being diverted or sold.

He said: “The reason for the distribution of the farming inputs is for food security in the FCT. The Executive Chairman wants to reach as many farmers as possible. However, we must sound a note of warning to the beneficiaries that the items should not be sold. We are charting a new course with these inputs. 

“For the benefit of doubt, the items will be closely monitored by traditional rulers and security agencies to ensure they are not diverted or sold. The items are not for sale. Anyone who sells it will be picked up and prosecuted. The two motorcycles are for extension workers to monitor the farmers and to guide them appropriately so that they can improve.”

Ensure food security

Many of the beneficiaries lauded the Executive Chairman of AMAC, saying the items would be judiciously used to ensure food security, even as they lauded the Chairman on his magnanimity.

Some of the items distributed included hoes, farming boots, cutlasses, leather gloves, grinding machine, smoking kiln, fertilizers, pesticides, two motorcycles for extension workers, among others.

Over 500 farmers in AMAC benefitted in the distribution of the farming inputs, which is the second time since the assumption of office of the Executive Chairman.

Lateefah Ibrahim