While inaugurating a water project developed by the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) on Saturday in Ilorin at the headquarters of the police command in Kwara State, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who serves as the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has requested the assistance of the police to safeguard the farms and facilities owned by the LNRBDA located all across the nation. He pointed out that this cooperation would help the ministry make food security a reality.
Because of the spread location of their farms and other facilities, they require the assistance of the police in order to ensure the safety of their operations and improve the nation’s ability to provide food. Food security is an essential part of President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ plans, which prioritise the improvement of the country’s economy. According to the minister, if they do not have reliable access to food, they will not be able to improve the president’s economic strategy.
Youth are trained to become self-sufficient and aid the nation’s efforts.
At the event, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the other hand, reported that the Federal Government empowered 50 young people who had recently finished their training as part of the graduate youths’ empowerment scheme organised by the LNRBDA. The goal of the program is to educate and equip young people with the skills they need to become self-sufficient and contribute to the nation’s efforts to meet its needs in terms of food sufficiency.
Training was provided to the youth, both male and female, from Kwara and Kogi states in the areas of poultry farming, fish farming, horticulture, and crop farming. They were provided with monetary aid in addition to the necessary input to launch their farming operations. During the time that he was presenting the empowerment materials at a food exhibition, the minister admonished those who were the beneficiaries of the program to make effective use of both the information that they had learned and the empowerment tools that had been provided to them.
Irrigation materials and opportunities are provided.
Speaking further, he stated that efforts were being made by the ministry to provide potable water for use in drinking, sanitation, and irrigation purposes. In context, the delivery of water for irrigation will result in the realisation of three distinct benefits. According to him, the water that is utilised for irrigation will be put to use in the production of food; this would result in revenue for the government as well as employment opportunities for young people.
Dr. Adeniyi Aremu, Managing Director of LRNBDA, spoke at the water scheme’s inauguration and noted that the organisation had been actively training young people since 2016. 50 graduates were given irrigation equipment this year. Before that, Utsev paid Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF). He encouraged AbdulRazaq to get the other governors to cooperate with the ministry in order to realise the president’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The ministry should do feasibility studies and work with state governments.
In response, the governor gave the ministry the responsibility of conducting feasibility studies and working with state governments to clean up the River Niger and River Benue in order to put an end to the recurring flooding and improve food security. AbdullRazaq expressed concern that many major agro-allied firms have suspended operations due to damages incurred from the flooding of the Rivers Niger and Benue. In order to reduce wasteful project duplication across states, he urged the ministry to coordinate efforts with state governments.
Related Link
LNRBDA: Website
Ministry seeks police protection on farms. – This cooperation would help the ministry make food security a reality. – Express your point of view.
good security is require at our fields. Adequate security is required for farmers in order to protect both their crops and lives. I’m hoping the government steps in to help them.we need to protect this farm it what bring what we eat so protect it is like protecting what we are eating
Food security can be achieved in part by providing police protection on farms. It aids in preserving farmers, their means of subsistence, and the agricultural industry as a whole. Farmers may concentrate on their work without worrying about theft or vandalism by maintaining a safe and secure atmosphere
I completely agree with you! The Ministry’s initiative to seek police protection on farms is a significant step towards ensuring food security in our country. By joining forces with the police, the Ministry can create a safe and secure environment for farmers to carry out their vital work.
Food security is a fundamental aspect of a thriving society, and it encompasses not only the availability of food but also its accessibility and affordability for all individuals. By providing protection on farms, we can safeguard agricultural resources, prevent theft and vandalism, and ensure that farmers can continue their operations without fear.
This collaboration between the Ministry and the police has the potential to address various challenges that hinder food security, such as crop theft, encroachment on agricultural land, and damage to farm equipment. It can also help in tackling issues related to rural crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of farmers and their families.
To make this initiative successful, it is essential to ensure effective coordination and communication between the Ministry, the police, and farmers themselves. Regular patrols, prompt response to incidents, and the establishment of dedicated channels for reporting and addressing farm-related crimes can significantly contribute to enhancing food security.
In conclusion, the Ministry’s efforts to seek police protection on farms are commendable and hold great potential for making food security a reality. By working together, we can create an environment where farmers can thrive, agricultural resources are safeguarded, and everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. 🌾🚔