Anniversary: Don Lauds FG’S Agricultural Revolution

Prof Mohammed Kuta-Yahaya, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, has hailed the transformation of Nigeria’s agriculture sector by President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.

 

Kuta-Yahaya, a former Secretary to Niger State Government, gave the commendation in Bida, Niger, while appraising the current administration after one year in office.

 

He said the Mechanisation of agriculture by the Federal Government was creating jobs, increasing wealth for the farmers and also multiplying food production.

 

“The government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has fared well in the agriculture sector, you can see that he christened the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which is a significant shift from what it used to be.

 

“This points to the premium he has placed on agriculture because from his administration’s take off, he declared emergency on food security, therefore he deserves commendation,” he said.

 

The Don further noted that the agricultural revolution would help diversify the country’s economy.

 

” This is good, especially now that we are talking about alternative sources of energy, fossil fuels to green energy sources.

“It is a welcome development, and we are looking toward to many opportunities in this sector.

 

“We are also looking at Mr President’s keen interest in the production of wheat, as only recently wheat production was launched in Jigawa State for domestic consumption,” he said.

 

Kuta-Yahaya said that the Federal Government had also shown uncommon interest in the development of the livestock sector towards ending the farmers/herder’s clashes in the country.

 

“Mr President promised us that he will soon end farmers/herder’s clashes in the country.

 

“On September 28th last year, Mr President received the presidential report on the Atahiru Jega-led Committee on Livestock Reforms Conference, organised by former governor of Kano State, Alhaji Umaru Ganduje, who led us to the Villa.

 

“I was privileged to be the Coordinator and Chairman of the technical session when we submitted the report to Mr President. I had the opportunity to do the presentation.

 

“Mr President made a declaration that the solution to farmers/herder’s clashes is here.

 

“President Ahmed Bola Tinubu promised to promote and establish a committee for the implementation of the reforms, so we are waiting for the inauguration of that committee,” he said.

 

He thanked the Federal Government for the revitalisation of the irrigation schemes across the country to ensure all seasons farming to increase food production.

 

The Don also commended Tinubu for inaugurating the National Students’ Loan Scheme that would enable vulnerable students and the youths access funds to sponsor their education.

 

He however, urged the government to continue its efforts to end the fuel subsidy regime that benefitted less than one per cent of the country’s population.

 

“This policy will be seen as a punishment for now, but in the long run, it will benefit the over 200 million Nigerians in terms of development,” he said.

 

Kuta-yahaya enjoined the government to entrench transparency and accountability in all aspects of national life, to ensure positive results.

 

He further advised government to construct and rehabilitate all federal highways linking the states and Abuja to boost socioeconomic activities and ensure security of lives and properties.

 

Similarly, the Don also lauded the developmental strides of Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger State.

 

According to him, Bago has embarked on massive structural development of roads and public buildings, improved the health, education and agriculture sectors of the state.

 

“Education is the window for human capital development; therefore, we are happy that Gov. Umaru Bago has started on that note.

 

“Education is the cornerstone of any nation’s development, we are happy that Bago is on the right track,” he said.

 

Kuta-yahaya also attested to the ongoing urban renewal across the state by the Bago-led administration, adding that when completed the state would wear a new look.

 

Kuta-yahaya is a Nigerian academic, writer and Professor of agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan.

 

He served as Secretary to Niger Government under former Gov. Babangida Aliyu, and was also Commissioner for Information, as well as Agriculture.

 

 

 

 

 

NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi