In a bid to boost food security, a delegation of the Niger State Government, led by Special Adviser on Social Investment Programmes, Hauwa Bako, embarked on a fact-finding visit to Soilless Farm Labs in Ogun State.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo, made this disclosure in Minna.
He explained that the visit was aimed at exploring innovative solutions and best practices to enhance the successful implementation of the state’s agricultural policies.
Ebbo stated: “The visit was one of the strategies of the state to become one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs, exploring innovative practices such as soilless farming to achieve the planned goal.”
According to him, the team inspected the state-of-the-art facilities, met with training participants, and held productive discussions with partners involved in the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture.
The governor’s aide also disclosed that during a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, he applauded Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for his agricultural revolution policy to ensure food security is achieved in the country.
“Until Nigeria begins to feed itself, the challenges facing the country will continue. A nation that cannot feed itself is sitting on a time bomb,” he noted.
Ebbo further revealed: “Obasanjo advised other state governors to emulate Niger State’s lead in agricultural development to ensure the country is able to feed its population, thereby exporting food to boost its GDP. He also encouraged Niger State government to sustain investment in agriculture.”
Members of the team include the commissioners for Agriculture, Environment, Power and Energy, and MSME, as well as special advisers on Social Investment Programme, Environment and Climate Change, and Print Media.