From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has commended President Bola Tinubu for launching the Irrigate Nigeria Project, saying it is a testimony of his leadership ingenuity and innovative spirit to remove millions of citizens out of hunger.
Speaking at Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area of the state on Saturday during the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project, initiated by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the governor described the move as ‘historic’.
Mohammed said the Irrigate Nigeria Project, which is being implemented under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) of the Tinubu administration, is a testimony of a shared vision to transform the country’s infrastructural sector to ensure food security.
He commended NASENI under RHIDF as representatives of the government, private sector, development partners, and community stakeholders for spearheading the initiative.
“NASENI is setting the pace for a new model of large scale commercial agriculture that is transparent, well structured,” he said.
“Unlike previous agricultural funding models that were abused despite the trillions spent, this initiative is built on accountability, innovation, intellect and sustainability.”
He predicted that the Irrigate Nigeria Project, if implemented according to design, would have multiplier effects across the agricultural value chain, both vertically and horizontally.
“It will drive knowledge transfer, introduce advanced technology and distribute wealth equitably, ensuring that even the most vulnerable of our society benefit from this transformation,” the governor stated.
“This is the kind of structured agricultural intervention that Nigeria needs: one that prioritises proximity, accountability and long-term economic impact.
“The programme is more than just about farming; it is about food security, economic empowerment and national stability. It aligns perfectly with our broader goal of expanding irrigation farming, reducing dependence on rain-fed agriculture and promoting sustainable agricultural infrastructure.
“The success of commercial agriculture in a place like Udubo, close to the Sahel desert of Yobe, goes with the right technology and ideas.
“Every part of Nigeria can achieve all-year agricultural production. This initiative will not only transform Gamawa but will serve as a model for other regions across Nigeria.”
Earlier, in a welcome remark, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, explained that the goal of the Irrigate Nigeria Project was to transform Nigeria’s agricultural system through a sustainable irrigation system that empowers farmers for all-year-round farming.
Halilu said key features of the project, among others, include the deployment of centralised irrigation systems to form farming clusters with participating communities, provision of inputs, enhancing fertiliser access, and providing technical support to participating farmers.
In his opening remark, Dr Zach Adedeji of RHIDF said the launch was a fulfilment of the promise to ensure food security for Nigerian citizens.
Adedeji thanked the Governor of Bauchi State for the support through the provision of an enabling environment and support for the launch of the Irrigate Nigeria Project.