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Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State
By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Taraba State government has taken delivery of 49,000 bags of fertilizer for distribution to farmers for 2023 cropping season free of charge.
State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Oliver Namessan who stated this during symbolic handing over fertilizer distribution to palliative committee members in the state warned that it will no longer be business as usual as government will not tolerate any attempt of diversion of fertilizer by individual or group.
Prof Namessan said the symbolic flag off with 50 bags at moment was a deliberate measure to kick start the programme, pointing out that already the state has received a large number of the product while the completion is expected to arrive in a couple of days.
The commissioner who applauded Governor Agbu Kefas for commitment, made it clear that the fertilizer is free of charge to all farmers in the state and urged palliative committee members to ensure equity and fairness during distribution.
He therefore enjoined farmers to remain calm as distribution will soon be commenced.
In his remark, the state palliative committee chairman, Sale Sa’ad assured farmers of its commitment to do the needful and urged them not to panic as distribution of fertilizer remains free and will not be diverted under his watch.
Sa’ad thanked the governor for the confidence entrusted in them, describing the move as unprecedented.
Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association (RIFAN) in the state Hon. Tanko Bobbo Andemi appreciated governor Kefas for his laudable initiative, adding that Taraba will not only provide food sufficient but food reliance in the state.
He noted that the distribution of fertilizer to farmers by Kefas administration was palliative in nature and enjoined farmers not to negate the lofty opportunity afforded to them.
Andemi called on the state government to put machinery in place to protect the food from moping out of the state by unidentified aliens.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Sale Pavali thanked governor Kefas for taking practical steps for provision of fertilizer in the state.
He described the move as total commitment of a visionary leader and urged all and sundry to reciprocate the kind gesture exhibited by the governor.
He assured that the ministry will continue to work assiduously in line with state government policy to actualize the dream of making the state number one food reliance in the country.
