Sokoto govt creates 27,000 jobs in agric sector

Sokoto State Government says it has created no fewer than 27,166 jobs in the agricultural sector in the last two years.

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal said this on Wednesday in Sokoto at the opening of a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on Climate Change Adaptation and Agri-business Support, organised in collaboration with the State Office of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

“In the period under consideration, we have supported more than 33,000 people, through the promotion of improved crop production techniques, para-veterinary clinics as well as women and youth off-farm activities.

“Similarly, we have created, through our community-based agric and rural development initiatives, 27,166 jobs via different interventions in sustainable agriculture, community infrastructure, rural enterprise development, among others,’’ he said.

The governor said that his administration was fully committed to the development of agriculture, with a view to enhancing food security, eradicating poverty and boosting employment opportunities, especially among the youth.

“The state government will continue to honour and fulfil all financial obligations entered into with IFAD and other donor agencies, so that the people of the state can continue to enjoy its maximum benefit,’’ Tambuwal said.In his goodwill message, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, represented by the North West Regional Director, Mr Adeyemi Ayoyeyi, said that the Federal Government was determined to develop the agricultural sector.

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He said “The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, was resolute in its vision of promoting agricultural production in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government was implementing programmes aimed at attracting the youth to agricultural practices across the value chain.

“The ministry, in collaboration with IFAD and other partners, has developed and implemented the climate change adaptation and agri-business support programme."

Ogbeh said it will fast-track climate change mitigation and stimulate smart agriculture in the country.