By Margaret E. Umoh
Abuja (Nigeria) – In its determination to provide food and jobs for Nigerians, the Federal Government is set to commence its Graduate Farmers’ Scheme as the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman H. Adamu flags off the programme on Thursday 28th July, 2016.
Adamu will flag off the first Graduate Farmers’ Scheme at Kampe Irrigation Scheme (Ejiba), Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, North-central Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria in June, 2016 signed an agreement with the Songhai Nigeria Farmson Graduate Employment Scheme/Farm Settlement Schemes.
The scheme would be located in each of the 109 Senatorial District of the country. They will enhance the ability of the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) to package their water services with the provision of complementary basic rural infrastructure which would improve agriculture and food security.
According to the Director of River Basin Operations and Inspection of the ministry, Musa Ibrahim, the project is anchored by the Lower Niger Basin Development Authority.
He called on other River Basins to take a cue from the flag off as this would be replicated in all the twelve RBDAs across the country.
This laudable initiative will without doubt support the vision and objectives of the present administration’s drive for food security and job creation.
Margaret E. Umoh is the Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources.