The Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority has encouraged Nigerian farmers to adopt year-round farming practices and support the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve sustainable agricultural development and food security.
The call was made by Mr. Dahiru Hammandikko, the Executive Director, Agricultural Services, Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA) Yola, Adamawa State, during visits to major irrigation facilities in the North-East.
Mr. Hammandikko said, “He toured irrigation schemes including the Lake Gerio Irrigation Farm in Yola North, Adamawa State and the Dadin Kowa Irrigation Farm and Dam in Gombe State, where he interacted with rice farmers engaged in both rainy and dry season farming.”
According to him, the visits reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at addressing food insecurity and boosting agricultural productivity across the country.
“This significant visit underscores the government’s resolve to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards tackling Nigeria’s food security challenges,” he said.
Mr. Hammandikko explained that his engagements with farmers and managers of irrigation facilities across the River Benue basin were intended to encourage increased participation in all-year-round farming, noting that the Tinubu administration is committed to supporting farmers with inputs and infrastructure.
“As part of my official responsibility as Executive Director, Agricultural Services, I met with area managers and staff, and together we toured the projects within their jurisdictions,” he added.
Mr. Hammandikko added that the visits were also aimed at restoring confidence among farmers and encouraging others who are yet to engage in irrigation farming to take advantage of available opportunities.
“My visit is to encourage farmers to have hope in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the agricultural sector,” he stated.
Mr. Hammandikko further called on Nigerians to support the continuity of President Tinubu’s administration, urging citizens not to be swayed by critics of the government.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to rally around President Tinubu if they are to realize the nation of their dreams, because no president can succeed alone,” he said.
Hammandikko, who also serves as the National Coordinator and Convener of the Northern Region Support for Tinubu/Kashim, made the remarks in a statement, also called for unity, vigilance and collective in building a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of its citizens.