Food Security: FG Distributes Fertiliser, Irrigation Equipment to Benue Farmers, Encourages Year-round Farming
In a bid to enhance food security in the country, the federal government has distributed about four thousand bags of fertiliser and irrigation equipment to farmers to enable them to go into large-scale, year-round farming.
In addition to the agricultural support, the government also distributed bags of rice to residents of the state to alleviate the hardship caused by rising food prices.
During the distribution event in Makurdi on Saturday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, noted that this distribution of fertilisers and irrigation equipment was an extension of previous federal government efforts.
According to him, these initiatives are designed to maximise agricultural yield and establish year-round farming practices in Benue, which is an agrarian. He noted that similar programs are being implemented nationwide, including in all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
These resources, he said, are designed to make agriculture more attractive and to encourage more youths and women to take up farming.
The minister explained that, with the declaration of a state of emergency on food security, all levels of government are working diligently to ensure that every Nigerian has access to food. He also announced ongoing construction of dams and water schemes across the country, including Benue, to support irrigated agriculture and provide clean, safe water, particularly in rural communities.
The minister reassured the people of Benue that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is introducing various reforms aimed at improving the lives of citizens. These include student loans, a mass urban housing scheme, and ongoing road construction across the country to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
Prof Utsev further noted that efforts are being made to address insecurity in Benue and other parts of Nigeria. He urged the people of Benue to recognize the significant support and attention the state has received under President Tinubu’s administration, including the appointment of many Benue natives to key federal positions.
He appealed to the citizens not to participate in any planned nationwide protests, assuring them that President Tinubu is aware of the challenges facing the country and is actively working to address them.
At the event, Mr. Terseer Ugbor, House of Representatives Member for Kwande Ushongo Federal Constituency, affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to collaborating with President Tinubu’s administration to deliver democratic dividends to citizens.
He cited the recent passage of a new National Minimum Wage and the Student Loan scheme, which has already enrolled thousands of Nigerian students.
Members of the Benue State House of Assembly, represented by Mrs. Becky Orpin of Gboko East, expressed their strong support for President Tinubu’s policies and programs, stressing the potential benefits for the country. They called for patience and understanding from the populace and thanked the judiciary for restoring local government autonomy.
Representatives of Benue youths, including Mr. Terdindi Adom and Mr. Sylvester Terwase, President of the National Union of Benue State Students, as well as retired civil servant Mr. Peter Chiangi and market women, also spoke at the event.
They voiced their appreciation for the free fertiliser and food items provided to Benue farmers and committed to not participating in protests against the current administration, believing it is on track to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.
