President Bola Tinubu says his government is delivering on its promise to turn Nigeria into a major force in global agriculture.
Tinubu spoke on Monday at the launch of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme in Abuja.
He said his administration’s ongoing reforms are designed to make farming more “easier and sexier”, especially to younger Nigerians.
“We have here over 2,000 advanced tractors, 50 industrial-grade land preparation bulldozers, 12 fully equipped mobile workshops, and 9,000-plus specialised farming implements.
“This equipment, when deployed will empower mechanisation and service providers, create job opportunities, and make farming easy and sexier for our young ones.
“You don’t have to use an 18th-century method for a 21st-century agricultural farming implement,” Tinubu said.
He noted that farming shouldn’t rely on outdated methods when 21st-century tools are available, adding that his government is focused on building a future where modern agriculture is both profitable and desirable.
Tinubu also announced partnerships with international allies aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with the skills they need to succeed in modern farming, including machine operation, repair, and fabrication.
He said, “We have friends across the world. We have Belarus committed to a programme that will empower our youths, teach them how to do things, get them off the street, empower them in technology, review mechanisation, and empower them in machine repairs and fabrication.
“The allocation of this equipment throughout the country will do a lot. Given our nation’s arable land and favourable climate that we have, we must seize the opportunity to achieve complete agricultural independence and food sovereignty.”
The president urged those benefiting from the new equipment to use them properly and promised that the government will closely monitor how the tools are used.
“To all stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy with maximum efficiency. We will work with you; we will supervise you at various locations and we will hold you accountable.
“Let history record this day as the beginning of Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance where modern technology meets our farmers’ legendary resilience to create unprecedented prosperity,” Tinubu added
He also praised the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its role in responding to the country’s food challenges and ensuring stability in the agricultural sector.
KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently commissioned a new 300-bed specialist hospital located at Millennium Square in Kaduna State.