Khadija Saidu, Birnin Kebbi
Governor, Atiku Bagudu, of kebbi state said investments in the Anchor Borrowers’ Program (ABP) is already paying off, with the attendant multiplier effects on the economy and Nigeria’s food security.
Bagudu stated this at the five years anniversary of the rice Anchor Borrowers’ Program, National Rice Festival and Flag off of the 2020/2021 Dry Season Rice Cultivation at zaoro.
He said RIFAN is today displaying these successes and gains of the last five years by showing this massive array of rice pyramid.
“He said it is a great testimony of the 5 years journey so far in spite of the devastating effects of the global Coronavirus pandemic, flood disasters on the economy.
“He said the hard-working populace have been supported by good economic policies by President Muhammadu Buhari, economic Institutions like the CBN, other agencies and other commercial banks” adding that Nigerians have been resiliently at work, hence, celebrating these achievements recorded in the last five years.
“He also said the last five years have given a great hope that agriculture will continue to produce the desired results.”
Bagudu expressed delight that, President Buhari has graciously been supporting the states, as well as the CBN that agricultural financing was no longer a problem to small scale producers in Nigeria.
The governor noted that, CBN under its indefatigable Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has taken the risk showed commitment and pumped more money to small scale farmers, a situation that was never seen in Nigeria before,
According to Bagudu, that was a great feat achievement under President Muhammadu Buhari, saying,” with the right support and policies, Nigerian farmers can favourably compete with their colleagues from across the world.
He acknowledged the support of all the stakeholders and noted that, Nigerian farmers were now producing more healthier and hygienic rice.
In his address the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, commended President Buhari and Bagudu for their uncommon support in the last five years of the ABP existence.
Emefiele said the event gave the happy moment to celebrate the gains of the program, saying, ” Kebbi has been an integral part of the ABP.”
He eulogized the commitment of Governor Bagudu and expressed delight that, Kebbi State has today been known as the cradle of ABP in Nigeria and Buhari was desirous of sustaining the tempo.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in his Remarks said: ” We are here to show solidarity to the Magician, our brother, the Governor of Kebbi State.”
Fayemi also stated that, ABP has increased the capacity of Nigerians to,” produce what they eat and eat what they produce in line with the directive of Buhari.” Adding that very soon Nigerian will start having cassava pyramid.
Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani also lauded Bagudu for making Kebbi as one of the flagship states of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and averred,” Bagudu is now the Governor of all Governors and not only Kebbi State.” He added.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar also extolled the achievements of the program, sequel to the unwavering commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari, Bagudu, Emefiele and other stakeholders.
The sultan further stressed the need for leaders in the country to be just and accountable, saying, ” lack of food is lack of everything and without food, you can’t do anything, even to worship.”
Also speaking, Senator Bala Na’Allah, disclosed that, Nigeria possesses the capacity to feed her citizens, her neighbours and even the West African Sub region.
Na’Allah also stated that, Kebbi State was abundantly endowed and its people have the undying zeal to contribute to national development. Adding that Kebbi produce not only rice but can also produce caws, goat that can be export to Saudi Arabia and others country. He urged the CBN governor to decalcify the economy into livestock too.
The Beninoise Foreign Minister, who led a high-powered delegation of four other Ministers, Beninoise Ambassador to Nigeria and a Senator, said that, Nigeria and Benin Republics were one and the same.
“Anything that destroys Nigeria, destroys Benin Republic. Our President has also promised to ban any product that is banned by Nigeria,” he added.
The National President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, while speaking earlier he expressed happiness to Almighty Allah who has given Nigeria a visionary leader, who is very sincere and committed.
He noted that, consequently, Nigeria was no longer solely dependent on imported polluted foreign rice.
Adding that both the CBN and Kebbi Govenors have translated the commitment of the President and that is why they are celebrating today.”
“Otherwise, this epoch-making event would have been conducted in Niger or Benin Republics.” he said.
