Witness narrates how Ex-HoS, allies diverted public funds to private companies in court
Presidency launches Young Farmer’s Scheme, creation of 774,000 employment
By Modupe Shodeinde
President Muhammadu Buhari has launched a farming programme to engage Nigerian youths in farming and create 774,000 direct employment every year.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the Presidency said the National Young Farmer’s scheme was designed by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to spur more youth interest in farming.
In his remark at the launch in Abuja, Buhari stated that agriculture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy, being the largest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We will do more to expand, modernize and revolutionize our agriculture, which is our most important asset.
“I have directed that all NALDA’s abandoned farm estates be retrieved to enable thousands of our young men and women to be engaged in farming. This Administration will be achieving agricultural mechanization through this scheme and I am confident that Nigeria under my watch, we will achieve food security in producing most of what we eat. In good harvest years we may even export our surpluses and earn foreign exchange,” he said.
Buhari added that the NALDA will directly be supervised as an authority under the Presidency. He asked for the full cooperation of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and State Governments in the NALDA’s activities.
“With the success of Anchor Borrowers programme spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria and new programmes to revive cotton, palm products and cocoa, the next few years will see a vast difference in our agricultural performance.’’ he said
According to him, all the necessary approvals that NALDA requires for effective take-of including adequate land preparation for crop farming and livestock rearing, had been given.
“It is my expectation that the Scheme will take in young Nigerians, graduates and non-graduates alike, and be part of this Government’s effort to reduce unemployment and contribute to the regeneration of agriculture and our economy.’’
The Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA Paul Ikonne, assured the Presidency that the resuscitation of the NALDA and concerted effort to revive interest in farming will go a long way in tackling poverty and reducing unemployment in the country, especially among the youths.
“Our focus is to engage 1,000 farmers from each of the 774 Local Government Areas, thereby creating 774,000 direct employment annually,’’ he added.
