Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura (APC, Nasarawa South) has distributed 3000 bags of NPK fertilizer, as well as cartons of herbicides and pesticides, to farmers across the five local government areas that constitute Nasarawa South senatorial district.
Senator Al-makura flagged off the distribution of the farming inputs, at his constituency office in Lafia, on Monday.
The farm inputs distributed include 3000 bags of fertilizer, 150 cartons of herbicides and 50 cartons of pesticides, to be distributed among farmers in Lafia, Obi, Doma, Keana and Awe local government areas.
According to the lawmaker, the gesture was meant to cushion the harsh economic situation of the country on local farmers, as well as boost farming activities with a view to enhancing the country’s food security.
Senator Al-makura, who is the immediate past governor of Nasarawa State, said the initiative was also part of his efforts to support the present administration of Engineer Abdullahi Sule.
He recalled that, only recently, the government distributed fertilizers across the state that has benefited tremendous number of farmers, pointing however that, mostly because the demand for fertilizer is unlimited, while the price is exorbitant, he initiated the event in order to support the efforts of the Engineer Sule administration.
Senator Al-makura noted that, for the country to have food security, there’s need to not only expand the scope of farming but also provide sufficient inputs to enhance better yields.
He added that, considering the downturn in the global economic activities, there is every need for the people to go back to farm and for increased provision of inputs in order to increase yields.
The lawmaker emphasized that, agriculture is one of the platforms earmarked by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to fast track economic development through diversification.
He therefore, called on farmers to continue to step up efforts in order to produce more to ensure food security across the country.
“I’m calling on all farmers, both small and large scale farmers, to continue to step up efforts in providing more farmlands and making more efforts to produce more crops, so that our people will be able to benefit from this initiative,” he stated.
The lawmaker used the opportunity to call for sustained synergy between critical stakeholders across the state and the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule, as that will guarantee that ordinary people will benefit from activities of government.
” I assure you that, given the amicable relationship that exist between the critical stakeholders and people that matter within the government, the people of Nasarawa State will get the best dividends of democracy now and after 2023,” he said.
He appreciated the synergy existing between the administration and critical stakeholders across the state, stressing that he was impressed when the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Mohammed Ubandoma Aliyu, as well as the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Him John Mamman, turned up at the event.
Special guest at the event and Acting Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, thanked Senator Al-makura for the initiative meant to bring succour to rural farmers.
While describing the initiative as unprecedented, the Acting Governor commended Senator Al-makura for also embarking on one project or the other, across the five local government areas making up Nasarawa South senatorial district.
“This time, he knows how difficult it is to get farm input. Fertilizer has become so scarce and expensive because of lack of raw materials. Our father has felt the pains of these farmers, our father has listened to the cry of these farmers and has come out to support them. Because in everything you do in life, first thing is food. You have to eat before anything else,” Dr. Akabe said.
Dr. Akabe hailed Senator Al-makura for the initiative, stressing that, the only way to ensure adequate food production, is to supplement the effort of farmers with inputs.
The Acting Governor described the present administration under the leadership of Engineer Abdullahi Sule, as a continuation of the past administration under Senator Al-makura.
“This government is a continuation of the Al-makura government. We are one government. My principal, the Executive Governor has said it time without number, that Senator Al-makura remains his mentor,” he stated.
Dr. Akabe used the opportunity of the event, to call on beneficiaries of the gesture, to use the items judiciously, while also warning those responsible for the distribution against diverting the inputs to be sold in open markets.
The Acting Governor then called on those holding government positions, to emulate the former governor and to give back to their various communities.
In a goodwill message, State Chairman of the APC, Hon John Mamman, said by embarking on the initiative, Senator Al-makura is providing a platform for farmers in Nasarawa South to generate income.
He commended the former governor for putting the welfare of his people foremost and for reaching out to help local farmers.
Hon Mamman also warned those benefiting from the gesture against selling the farm inputs meant to boost food production.
