••• Presents tools and implements to farmers in the state

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the 2026 farming season in Niger State

She pointed out that the event, which was also the distribution of farming tools and implements to farmers, was a visible testament to the nation’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and rural prosperity.

“Today’s event is not just the commencement of another farming season; it is a bold statement that Nigeria is ready to feed herself. It signals a deliberate transition from subsistence practices to modern, mechanised, and commercially viable agriculture. This gesture will no doubt empower our farmers with the tools needed to increase productivity, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen our GDP”.

“In declaring a State of Emergency on Food Security on July 13th, 2023, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, made it clear that food availability and affordability must be treated as national priorities. With the direct support to farmers through the release of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, this initiative by the Niger State Government aligns with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President on boosting agriculture for food self-sufficiency”.

The First Lady of Nigeria paid glowing tribute to the nation’s farmers who she described as the backbone of Nigeria.

“I want to especially commend our farmers, the men, women, and youth who rise before dawn and labour tirelessly on the land, so that millions of families can have food on their tables. You are the backbone of our nation’s survival, and the reason for today’s support is to ensure that your efforts do not go unrecognized”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Niger State Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago emphasized that agriculture remains a priority of his administration noting that with the sector being one of the pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the sector will continue to get adequate support and attention.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his boldness in removing fuel subsidy which he said necessitated the nation to look more towards agriculture.

“The removal of fuel subsidies has made more money available to the sub-nationals which has made us, as a state, to achieve more in the area of agriculture “.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Sen. Abdullahi Sabi in his remarks commended the Niger State Government saying with the provision of modern tools and implements, there would be enhanced productivity from farmers.

The APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda explained that with the flag-off of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway which will have over 300 dams, agricultural production and improved transportation of farming season produce is assured.

The First Lady then handed over a total of 250 tractors with 75horse power capacity, 50 Combined tractors, 150,000 bags of fertilizers and others to be distributed among the 25 local government areas of the state.