*Says level of poverty in Nigeria alarming
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Mr. Temitope Peter Fadeshemi has said that the number of men living on less than 1.90 U.S. dollars a day in the country has reached around 44.7 million, while the count was at 43.7 million for women.
He added that overall 12.9 per cent of the global population in extreme poverty was found in Nigeria as of 2022, which makes the level of poverty in Nigeria to be very alarming, while an estimated population of 88.4 million people in Nigeria are living in extreme poverty.
The Permanently Secretary expressed this on Wednesday in Maiduguri, at the flagging off of employment and training organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Department of Agricultural Extension Devices in collaboration with the Federal Minister of Budget and National Planning.
According to him, FMAFS organized the training for employment and distribution of agriculture input to 243 beneficiaries for the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) held at FMAFS Green House Maiduguri.
“This is why the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with FMAFS is making conscious efforts at reducing the rate of poverty across the country.
“It is a crucial initiative under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS). Today marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to uplifting the lives of our smallholder farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices,” Temitope said.
Represented by the State Director, FMAFS, Borno State, Dr. Abdulkarim Yau, the Permanent Secretary also reminded people that the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), in collaboration with the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service (FDAE), has diligently enumerated and validated approximately 250 farmers for participation in this transformative programme.
“These farmers are not just the backbone of our agricultural sector; they are the heartbeat that form the heartbeat of our nation’s prosperity.
The NPRGS reflects our government’s dedication to addressing poverty at its roots, emphasizing the pivotal role agriculture plays in economic growth and development.
“Through initiatives like today’s training and empowerment program, we are sowing the seeds of positive change, ensuring that smallholder farmers have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
“This programme is not merely an investment in agriculture; it is an investment in future of our nation. As we equip these farmers with the tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practices, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
Temitope commended the efforts of the FDAE for their meticulous work in identifying and validating deserving farmers for this program to while disclosing that the collaboration between our Ministry and the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) exemplifies the power of synergy in achieving meaningful impact.
He told the participating farmers that their our role is paramount in shaping the trajectory of our nation’s agricultural success, saying,” As you undergo this training and empowerment journey, absorb the knowledge, hone your skills, and apply the insights gained to elevate your farms and communities.
” Your success is intertwined with the prosperity of our nation, and together, we shall create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of our beloved country. In conclusion, let us embrace this opportunity to build a future where smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of progress but active contributors to our nation’s growth.
“With determination, collaboration, and a shared vision, we can transform , lead the way to turn challenges into opportunities and empower our agricultural sector towards a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria,” Temitope said.
The representative of the Federal Director of Agriculture Extension, FMANR Abuja, Malam Bature Mati said a total of 243 youth both male and female as well as men and women benefitted from the programme under three categories of poultry, crops and fisheries where 40 benefitted from poultry training and starter packs/kids/tools and seeds/fertilizers among others.
While 175 benefitted from crops training and distribution of strayer packs, seeds, chemicals, maize, tomatoes, okoro, pepper and maize and added that 28 people benefitted from the Fisheries training programme.
Some of the beneficiaries, Miss Peace Ogwu who passed through poultry training, said the programme is good and will really help her to start up something from somewhere, while Mukhtar Ibrahim expressed appreciation and gratitude to the ministry and personnel for their support and training, pledging to make proper use of the tools to earn a living.
Highlights of the event include paper presentation and trading, distribution of starter kits, tools, seeds, fertilizers and group photographs among others.
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