By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud on Wednesday distributed 900 metric tonnes of 30 trucks of assorted fertilizers to farmers in the capital territory.
The fertilizers were donated by the Central Bank of NIgeria, CBN, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to the Federal Capital Territory Administration for distribution to farmers in the territory.
During the flag-off ceremony for the distribution, Mahmoud said that the distribution of the fertilizers was part of the Federal Government’s under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic effort at addressing the present food crisis.
She, however, reiterated the Administration’s commitment to address the food security situation in the territory, amid the high cost of food items challenges challenges the people are facing.
“As you may recall, within the past two months, we have undertaken several initiatives to enhance food production. In collaboration with the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank, we achieved a significant milestone by providing farmers with a comprehensive range of agricultural inputs”, she explained.
The minister said, “Building on this success, we also successfully distributed the palliatives approved by Mr. President, bringing much-needed relief and succor to the residents of the FCT.”
Mahmoud also assured that the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat has fully adhered to the distribution guidelines outlined by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to ensure a seamless distribution plans that would ensure the fertilizers reach the intended beneficiaries.
The minister thanked partners for their support in training of Agricultural Extension Agents and farmers, stressing that the administration is committed to sustaining this synergy and continuing the efforts to empower agricultural stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.
The minister used the occasion to call on FCT residents, particularly the youth population, to take advantage of the vast arable land that the FCT is blessed with and venture into agriculture, no matter how small.
Permanent Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Secretariat, Mrs.Grace Adayilo stated that the importance of agriculture in human livelihood cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital source of food and economic prosperity for communities.
Adayilo said, “With a fast-growing population, agriculture will no doubt play a crucial role in creating jobs and ensuring food security in the FCT.”
“This event therefore signifies a significant milestone in the desire of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through his “Renewed hope Initiative” to restore the lost glory of agriculture, which hitherto was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.”
She disclosed that in compliance with the CBN guidelines, the Mandate Secretary had set up an Ad-hoc committee, consisting of relevant stakeholders to strategize on how to ensure that the beneficiaries of this intervention are the actual farmers.
She said, ” I want to assure you Ma, that the people you see here today, are farmers that have been certified by the committee as genuine farmers who have been in their different ways, adding value to the food production systems in the FCT.”
By this we are sure that fertilizers will not end up in the markets but serve the intended purpose, she promised.
The Mandate Secretary, Lawan Kolo Geidam said that the donation of assorted fertilizers by the CBN is an apt and timely response to mitigate the adverse impart of the current global food crisis exacerbated by climate change, low production, and high prices on Nigerians.
According to Geidam, the timely intervention is also a proof of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to prioritize agricultural revitalization by empowering farmers with essential inputs.
“We are equally profoundly grateful to Mr. President for his magnanimity in directing that the fertilizers be distributed to farmers free of charge.”
“We are optimistic that the substantial quantity of fertilizers generously provided will yield a remarkable outcome, culminating in a bumper harvest this year, thereby enhancing food availability, improved nutrition, economic growth, and overall well-being of FCT residents”, Geidam said.
