The Chairman of Babura local government council of Jigawa state, Malam Hamisu Muhammad Garu, has launched an agricultural empowerment program aimed at engaging youth in rice farming as part of efforts to promote employment and food security in the area.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony held in Babura, the Chairman explained that, the initiative was introduced by Governor Malam Umar Namadi as a strategic step to provide job opportunities for young people, boost the local economy, and strengthen food production across the state.
According to him, the state government has provided essential agricultural inputs including fertilizers, pesticides, high-yield rice seeds, and spraying machines.
Malam Hamisu Garu pointed out that, the inputs will be distributed to 200 selected youths from various wards within the local government area.
He added that, the local government has allocated and cleared 100 hectares of land for the commencement the project.
The Chairman expressed his gratitude to the state government for initiating the program.
He said that, the program will discourage youth from migrating to urban centers in search of jobs, a trend that often exposes them to risky behaviors and undermines their future.
his remarks, the Director General of the State Research Institute, Dr. Suleman Rufa’i, described the program as a pioneering effort, adding that there are plans to expand it further in line with the government’s goal of making Jigawa the leading food-producing state in Nigeria
Radio Nigeria reports that, the traditional leaders who attended the event, include the district head of Babura, Sarkin Ban Ringim, Alhaji Muhammad Nata’ala Mustapha, and the district head of Garu, Dan-makwayon Ringim, Alhaji Suhailu Abubakar Usman, commended the government for the initiative.
The leaders urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate patriotism and responsibility by using the support effectively to ensure the program’s success.
COV/USMAN MZ
