Kankara Abduction: CBN/MAAN suspends flag off ceremony of dry season farming

Following the abduction of over 300 students of Government Secondary School, Kankara in Katsina State, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), have suspended the flagg off ceremony of harvest and loan recovery and official launch of 2020/2021 dry season farming scheduled to hold in the state.

MAAN in a statement issued by its National President, Dr Bello Abubakar Annoor said the flagg off scheduled for 16th December in Funtua, Katsina State was suspended due to the serious nature of the situation on ground.

He commiserated with the government and people of the state over the abduction of the students.

He said: We commiserate with the government, people of the state and President Muhammadu Buhari over the abduction of over 300 students of GSS Kankara, our hearts are with them, we pray for their successful return.

Speaking further on the program, he said the association and the Central Bank of Nigeria are commencing the loan recovery process with over 33,000 of 100kg bags maize for the wet season farming, adding that all inputs are available for the 2020/2021 dry season farming.

“We are fully prepared for the commencement of the 2020/2021 dry season farming, we decided to suspend the ceremony due to the situation on ground.

“The association would work assiduously to support maize farmers in the country with the best available inputs and needed technical support to boost maize farming.

Also, a deputy director with CBN, Elenwor Ihua, identified with Katsina State and its government.

Ihua who is with the development finance department of the CBN, explained that their visit to Katsina was for a different assignment but the recent event made them suspend the programme.

“The recent events have been rather unfortunate, we want to share our deep our deepest concerns with the state Governor and the people of the State”

Speaking further, he said the apex bank is fully committed to the diversification of Nigeria’s economy.

“We have a very good relationship with MAAN and we are committed to work with them for the nation’s food security.