By Muslim Lawan
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched its Irrigate Nigeria Project in Udubo town of Gamawa Local Government Area with one-million- hecters of all year round irrigation scheme.
Speaking at the launching ceremony in Udubo, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu explained that the Irrigate Nigeria Project being implemented under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund by the Agency was designed to support climate resilience agriculture to achieve national food security.
Halilu said the irrigation scheme is part of fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise made to Nigerians while conversing their votes and support in 2023, adding that the programme is expected to transform agricultural practices to boost the quality and quantity of farm products.
According to him, through the Irrigate Nigeria scheme, agro private sector would be empowered through engaging farmer clusters at the grassroots and explained that in Udubo town of Gamawa, Irrigate Nigeria Project would support Tiamin Rice to cultivate about 30,000 hectares of land.
In a key note address, Bauchi state governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed appreciated President Bola Tinubu for initiating the Irrigate Nigeria Project which would have significant effects across the agriculture value chain.
Governor Bala at the occasion, disclosed an approval for a 50,000 hectares of land for NASENI Irrigate Nigeria in Toro local government area of Bauchi state and assured of his commitment to continue supporting federal government’s policies that would add value to the lives of the people.
Also speaking, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu said the Irrigate Nigeria project is an attestation to the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improve the economic well-being of farmers in the country, adding that the project has provided an opportunity for farmers in local communities to adopt climate smart agriculture for a sustainable livelihoods.
