President Bola Tinubu’s Irrigate Nigeria Project, INP, has been launched in Gamawa, Bauchi State, with Gov. Bala Mohammed applauding the president for execution of viable agriculture, economic and social infrastructure development projects in the country.
The INP is anchored by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, RHIDF of the Bola Tinubu administration.
Speaking during the launching of the project, the governor said Mr Tinubu was showing to Nigerians that it was time for governance through execution of impactful projects.
Mr Mohammed described the INP project as a structured agricultural intervention that prioritised inclusivity, accountability and long time economic impacts for the country.
“The Irrigate Nigeria Project if implemented as designed will have a multiplying effect across the agriculture value chain both vertically and horizontally.
“It will drive knowledge transfer, introduce advanced technologies and distribute wealth equitably ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of our society benefit from this transformation.
“This initiative will not only transform Gamawa but will also serve as a model for other regions across Nigeria.
“What the President is bringing is what I think any leader in Africa should bring and I’m really proud of him for doing this because certainly, it is showing that it is just time for governance,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration commitment to partner with the federal government, to encourage investment in human capital, technology and innovative agriculture.
This, he said would enable Nigeria to become self-sufficient in food production inline with the Tinubu administration transformation agenda.
Mr Mohammed said food security was a collective responsibility that required all tiers of governments, communities and private sector to work together to achieve its objectives.
Khalil Halilu, executive vice chairman and CEO of NASENI, said the project was designed to empower farmers with relevant skills and supports, to enable them to engage in the all-year-round farm activities.
He said that it would also expose the farmers and local economists to the quantity and quality of the crops to achieve higher yields at harvest.
He said the project would assist Nigeria to increase agricultural export and earn the much needed foreign exchange.
Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of RHIDF, said the project was aimed at enhancing food security in the country.
Represented by Adebayo Ayeniwura, the chairman lauded the Bauchi state government over the allocation of 30,000 hectares of lands to facilitate successful implementation of the project.
(NAN)
