By Milcah Tanimu
Vice President Kashim Shettima has unveiled the Federal Government’s initiative to plant 2 million jumbo cashew trees in the North-West region. He made this announcement during a condolence visit to the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad-Mera, at his palace in Argungu.
The initiative will benefit several states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna. Shettima revealed that 2 million jumbo cashew seedlings have already been raised in Borno and will be transported to these North-Western states.
Kebbi, in particular, is recognized as a state with fertile soil suitable for cultivating various crops, and Shettima emphasized that its residents have the potential to overcome poverty.
He further shared details of the North-West Infrastructure Development Fund, totaling N50 billion, which will be used to construct 1,000 houses across the five states in the region, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna. The construction work is set to commence soon, with the first location to be determined by the governor who provides land first.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has pledged to provide two “Dandoreach” drilling equipment, capable of drilling boreholes up to 2000 meters deep. Additional equipment and tools will be procured to commence work on water projects. Zulum has also committed to supplying five Center P-board Irrigation equipment to support agricultural endeavors.
Shettima discussed plans for a $163 million loan from the African Development Bank aimed at promoting wheat cultivation. States that excel in this area will receive the loan, which includes fertilizers, seeds, and solar-powered water pumps. Planting is scheduled to begin by November 10, and Kebbi has the opportunity to secure this support by providing 10,000 hectares of farmland.
To promote modern farming practices, the state government will train extension workers to educate farmers on improved methods. Jigawa is slated to begin with 50,000 hectares for wheat cultivation, given its abundant farmland and relative peace.
Shettima appealed to the people of Kebbi to support Governor Nasir Idris and President Bola Tinubu due to their people-oriented policies and programs aimed at improving lives. He highlighted the APC administration’s intentions to eradicate poverty with the support and cooperation of the citizens.
Governor Idris expressed his gratitude for the vice president’s condolence visit and credited his mentorship for the various developmental projects underway in Kebbi. He cited initiatives such as the distribution of N2.8 billion worth of fertilizers to farmers, N9 billion invested in road construction in the state capital, and a N10 billion allocation for the completion of the State Ultra-modern Secretariat.
The Emir of Argungu thanked Shettima for the visit and commended Governor Idris for his dedication to transforming the state in various areas, including infrastructure, education, health, empowerment, agriculture, and security.