Nasarawa State Govt pledges support for NYSC, inaugurates 16-hectare farmland
By Tina Omoregie, Abuja
As apart of efforts to consolidate government’s effort on economic diversification, food production and self-sufficiency, the Nasarawa State Government has pledged more support for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe stated this on Saturday in Doma during the inauguration of sixteen hectares of farmland donated by the Andoma of Doma Kingdom, HRM Alhaji (Dr) Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo to the NYSC and the inauguration of 2021 farming season by Corps Members in Doma.
He commended the Andoma for supporting the vision of NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim by releasing the land to encourage agricultural practices that would lead to bumper harvest of different agricultural products.
Speaking through the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Professor Alanana Ofaki, the Deputy Governor appealed to Corps Members to embrace all opportunities of the value chain agribusiness for their empowerment.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim stated that the NYSC Scheme would continue to train Corps Members who are interested in farming using its farms across the country.
He commended the Andoma of Doma and the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority for their gesture towards the Scheme.
He said the NYSC Scheme has keyed into Federal Government’s agenda of diversification of the economy and would continue to leverage on the potentials of Corps Members for improved productivity.
“I want to urge Corps Members to key into this opportunity for self development.
“Recently, Borno State trained 68 Corps Members as soil doctors and extension service workers with a view to boosting agricultural production,” he said.
In his remarks, the Andoma of Doma Kingdom HRM Alhaji (Dr) Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo said food security is a necessity for every nation, adding that there was the need to support NYSC in its resolve to teach Corps Members that there is an alternative to salaried jobs through farming.
He commended the Director-General for redesigning the future of Nigerian youth with a new beginning for self empowerment.
He appealed for more stakeholders’ support for the Scheme in order to attain its laudable goals for the Nigerian youths.
The monarch appealed for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, adding that the strength of a nation lies in its unity and no tribe can exist independently on its own.
He preached equality of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, stating that there was the need to give priority attention to national unity and integration.
“There is no alternative to an indivisible Nigeria, we are better together.”
“Let us save ourselves and make Nigeria a peaceful country for the future of unborn generation,” he said.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman Federal House Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon Abdulmumini Ari applauded General Shuaibu Ibrahim for his exemplary leadership style since assuming duty as NYSC Director-General.
The Managing Director, Lower Benue River Basin Authority, Engr. Mohammed Adra urged Corp members to embrace irrigation farming.
