Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, on Thursday said that Nigeria requires a vibrant agricultural sector if it is to a hunger-free nation.

He said this in his welcome address at the official commissioning of the N50 billion Sunti Golden Sugar Estates, a subsidiary of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, in Kudu, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Governor noted that the country also needs the sector to help drive income growth, accelerate food security, and generate employment for its youthful population.

He however said that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has changed the narratives, thereby placing the country on the right path through the aggressive agricultural policies and programmes initiated since its assumption of office in May 2015.

The governor commended the commitment, leadership and clear vision of the President in ensuring that the country toes the right path of economic and industrial growth.

He noted that the commissioning of the plant was yet another victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of President Buhari. “Today, Your Excellency, we celebrate yet another victory of your administration as you formally commission this iconic project,” he said.

Sani-Bello commended the foresight of the promoters of the Sunti Golden Sugar Estates in establishing the estate in the state. He expressed optimism that the plant will contribute in no small way in creating jobs, and for the economic upliftment of not just the people of Niger state, but of Nigerians as one united people.

The governor then invited other prospective investors to the state, assuring them of government’s full commitment to giving the required attention and support to all would-be investors in the Agricultural Value Chain.

According to the governor, “We are focused on building a governance structure that engenders good governance, transparency, accountability and an investor-friendly environment. Let me assure all investors that we will continue to act as an independent and just arbiter in all matters that have to do with apprehension by local communities and other stakeholders.”

•Governor Sani-Bello and other dignitaries at commissioning of Sunti Golden Sugar Estates, Mokwa, on Thursday