Buhari commends Kebbi rice project

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Kebbi State governor Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for strategically achieving significant success in the food security programme of the Federal Government, as the state rank among one of the highest producers of rice in Nigeria.

Matching words by action, the Kebbi State government displays its determination to become the new food basket of the nation as it showcased four pyramids of 45,000 bags of locally produced rice at the agricultural fair of the 2020 edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

The agric fair which was declared open by President Muhamadu Buhari is another evidence of the state responsiveness to the set agenda of the Federal Government of becoming not only productive but also self-sufficient in the agricultural value chain industry.

Speaking at the event, the President said that the government focused on food security by investing in programmes that will stimulate more interest in agriculture, improve the system of farming, highlighting some of the achievements since 2015 to include the return of paddy pyramids and multi-billion naira rice mills.

“For our farmers, fishing communities, those in the livestock sector and agro entrepreneurs, you have truly made me proud. We shall continue to support you all with access to credit, adequate inputs, access to markets and policies that will promote and support your competitiveness.’’

“Furthermore, you will all recall that our food security program started here in Kebbi back in 2015. The many products displayed here are also proof of the progress we have made as a nation in feeding ourselves. The farming, fishing, and pastoral communities truly embraced our programmes and have proven that we can produce what we
need.

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“We established the National Food Security Council, which I Chair, supported by the Governor of this State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to ensure that all our successes to date are continuously improved upon.
“I thank the people of Kebbi State for your support to the governor as he embarked on this very important national assignment.’’

Commending private sector sponsors and international development partners for supporting the 60th Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival, the President said Nigerians have the capacity to solve the challenges facing the country.
In his remarks, the Governor of Kebbi State commended President Buhari for reviving “we can do it’’ spirit in the agricultural sector, resulting in rising grain pyramids and employment, and providing an
enabling environment for festivals, like the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival, to resume.