Wheat Production: Nigeria to cultivate 100,000 hectares – VP Shettima

The Nigerian government plans to cultivate a minimum of 100,000 hectares in the country’s wheat belt.

Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this on Wednesday when a delegation of the Hadeija Emirate Council, led by the Emir of Hadeija and Chairman of Jigawa State Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that 50,000 hectares would be devoted to Jigawa State because of the high capacity of the State for wheat production.

“In the next programme, we want to cultivate a minimum of 100,000 hectares in the wheat belt, so nearly 50,000 hectares will be devoted to Jigawa State as it is one of the few states which grow wheat in the belt comprising Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Yobe and to Borno. I think Jigawa is our food basket.”

Peace For Development 

Speaking further, VP Shettima restated the importance of peace for development in the country.

He stressed that peace was a major prerequisite for national development, noting that Kano and Jigawa States have been largely peaceful and are “Islands of peace in an unending ocean of poverty, insecurity and depravity”.

The Vice President expressed appreciation to the Hadeija Emirate Council for their support to the Tinubu/Shettima campaign.

He stated that “As at the time we went to Hadeija, we were not in power and His Royal Highness was unequivocal in his support to us.  It was a huge support and was anchored on the fact that our team was the best for the nation.”

Vice President Shettima who lauded the Hadeija Emirate for its developmental strides.

“When I traveled from Kano to Hadeija, it was one of my happiest moment.  I saw development coming up, I saw universities springing up, I saw a rice mill by Aliko Dangote, I saw so many development efforts.”

On the issue of the incessant flooding being experienced in Jigawa State, the Vice President pledged that the Federal Government would address the challenge because of its negative impact on agriculture and food production.

“I want to convey to you the message from President Bola Tinubu that the challenges of the place will be adequately captured in the next budget,” he stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Emir of Hadeija congratulated President Bola Tinubu and the Vice President on their successful inauguration and promised their continued support for the government.

While thanking the Vice President for the appointment of one of their sons as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, he prayed God’s guidance and direction for the new Administration.

In the delegation of Hadeija Emirate Council were members of the 10th National Assembly from Hadeija and other very prominent title holders of the Council.

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA RESTATES THE IMPORTANCE OF PEACE FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• VP Adds: FG will address problem of flooding in Jigawa State

Vice President Sen. @KashimSM has restated the importance of peace for achieving any meaningful development in the country. pic.twitter.com/v8McKALQfX

— Senator Kashim Shettima (@officialSKSM) July 5, 2023

PIAK