Tinubu, Ministers Absent As FG Launches Irrigate Nigeria Project In Bauchi

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Govenror Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has commended President Bola Tinubu on the inauguration of the Irrigate Nigeria Project saying it is a testimony of his leadership ingenuity and innovative.spirit to remove millions of citizens out of hunger . 

This is even as President Bola Tinubu and some of his cabinet Ministers , specifically the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, billed to represent the President at the occasion were evidently absent.

Unconfirmed report explained that Tuggar was unable to arrive Bauchi by air due to bad weather.

Our correspondent was unable to verify the veracity to this claim though ar the time of sending this report.

Despite the absence of the President and Ministers, the enthusiasm that greeted the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project was electrifying as thousands gathered at the venue of launching with high hopes

Speaking at Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area of the state on Saturday during the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria project, initiated by the National Agency for  Science and Engineering Infrastructure, (NASENI), the governor described the move as ‘historic’

Mohammed said the Irrigate Nigeria Project, which is being implemented under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) of the Tinubu administration, is a testimony of shared vision to transform the country’s infrastructural sector to ensure food security.

He commended NASENI  under RHIDA as representatives of the government, private sector, development partners and community stakeholders for spearheading the initiative 

“NASCENI is setting the pace for a new model of large scale commercial agriculture that is transparent, well structured,” he said 

“Unlike previous agricultural funding models that were abused despite the trillions spent, this initiative is built on accountability, innovation,  intellect and sustainability”

He predicted that the Irrigate Nigeria Project, if implemented according to design, would have a multiplier effects across the agricultural value chain,  both vertically and horizontally. 

“It will drive knowledge transfer, introduce advanced technology and distributes wealth equitable, ensuring that even the most vulnerable of our society benefit from this transformation” the governor stated 

“This is the kind of structured agricultural interventions that Nigeria needs: one that prioritizes  proximity, accountability and long time economic impact 

“The programme is more than just about farming, it is about  food security, economic empowerment and national stability . It aligned perfectly with our broader goal of expanding irrigation farming , reducing dependence on retail agriculture  and promoting stainable agricultural infrastructure

“The success of commercial agriculture in a place like Udubo, close to the Sahel desert of Yobe goes with the right technology and ideas.

“Every part of Nigeria can achieve all year agriculture production 

 This initiative will not only transform Gamawa but will serve as a model for other regions across Nigeria”

Earlier in a welcome remark, Khalil Sulieman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Chairman of NASENI, explained that the goal of the  Irrigate Nigeria Project was to transform Nigeria ‘s agricultural system.through sustainable irrigation system that empower farmers all-year round farming 

Halilu  said key fixtures of the project, among others, deployment of centralized irrigation systems to form farming clusters with participating communities ,provision of inputs, enhancing fertilizer and providing technical support to participating farmers.

In his opening remark, Dr Zach Adedeji of RHIDF, said the launch was a fulfilment of the promise to ensure food security for Nigerian citizens.

Adedeji thanked the governor of Bauchi State for the support through provision of an enabling environment and unflinching support for the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria project in the state.