The Governor of Central Bank Mr Godwin Emefiele says Federal Government’s efforts of diversification of the nation’s economy from oil to agricultural sector have achieved maximum success in the last six years.
Mr Godwin Emefele stated during the official commissioning of a high profile multi-Billion Naira Gerawa Rice Mills in Kano.
He described the establishment of the high profile rice mill as a testimony of the fact that some prominent Nigerians were in full support of the Federal Government local rice production initiatives aimed at discouraging the importation syndrome of solely depending on the foreign one.
The CBN Governor maintained that Federal Government had placed high premium on the production of local rice as a major catalyst for speedy economic growth being part of the revolutionary stride effected by the present administration ,stressing that Federal Government was ever consistent in supporting farmers to contribute their quota in making the economy of the country robust, formidable and vibrant.
” we are today proud to tell everyone that the Federal Government has made considerable inroad in effecting an all encompassing revolution in the agricultural sector as a result of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ardent belief that the sector is the main stay of any promising economy all over the world”
Speaking earlier, governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described Kano as a hub of industrial development with myriad of high profile industries thriving over the years, adding that his administration had placed high premium on agriculture enshrined in the budget of the State every year.
He said the agitation for entrenching the quest for a sustainable food security system could only be feasible and realistic when leaders support private sector initiatives.
Speaking in the vein, governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa also described agriculture as one of his major cardinal thrust and that the State was abundantly blessed with a vast expanse of arable land which could serve as a platform for irrigation farming and noted that with robust agricultural drive, the nation can stand on its own without heavy dependence on oil revenue.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Gerawa Group of Companies, Alhaji Isah Gerawa said his decision to establish the N17billion rice mill was meant to foster viable and sustainable economic growth and complement the agricultural transformation crusade of the present administration.
Abdullahi Jalaludeen
