From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, on Friday distributed tractors and Jangwa paddy rice to the 13 Local Government Chairmen in Nasarawa State as part of his one-day working visit to the state. The paddy rice, harvested from the state-owned Jangwa Rice Farm, is an initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s food security program.
In addition, the Vice President distributed relief materials to citizens affected by floods in the state, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis.
Speaking during the distribution event, Shettima emphasized the importance of peace as a prerequisite for development. He remarked, “There can never be development without peace, and there can never be peace without development. The people of Nasarawa State will not fully appreciate this governor until he is no longer in office.”
The Vice President commended Governor Abdullahi Sule’s leadership, noting that the state represents the diversity of Nigeria with its multiple ethnicities and religions coexisting peacefully. “Nasarawa represents what Nigeria is—a multiplicity of colors, different tribes, and religions living peacefully. This is a testament to the quality of leadership Governor Sule has provided,” he said.
Shettima also praised the state’s agricultural accomplishments and its role as an agricultural powerhouse. “Nasarawa is the home of solid minerals and has become a hub for farming. Even my friends from Bayelsa come to Nasarawa to farm. Your Excellency, thank you so much for this monumental accomplishment,” he added.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s support, Shettima assured, “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will continue to render support wherever necessary to ensure your success. The worst is over, and I am optimistic that the coming season will yield a bumper harvest as the country’s economy begins to recover.”
Highlighting the significance of mechanization in agriculture, the Vice President stated, “Agriculture is all about increasing yield. Mechanization is key to achieving that, and the decision to distribute tractors to local governments is a commendable development. Local governments are the custodians of the people, and traditional leaders, being farmers themselves, will benefit greatly from this initiative.”
In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed gratitude to the Vice President and the Federal Government for their continuous support in fostering peace and development in the state.
“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that Nasarawa remains a beacon of agricultural productivity and peaceful coexistence. The tractors and relief materials distributed today will significantly impact our communities, especially as we strive to build resilience among farmers and flood-affected citizens,” the governor said.
Governor Sule further highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in driving sustainable development. “The journey to making Nasarawa an agricultural powerhouse is not one we can embark on alone.
This partnership is a testament to what we can achieve together, and I am optimistic that the investments we are making today will yield dividends for generations to come,” he added.
Hon. Mohammed Iyimoga, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, described the initiative as a milestone in grassroots empowerment.
“Distributing tractors to local government chairmen ensures that farmers at the grassroots level have access to mechanized tools that will improve their productivity. This approach not only promotes food security but also strengthens the state’s economy,” Iyimoga stated.
He also emphasized the strategic role of the Jangwa Rice Farm in achieving food sufficiency. “The Jangwa Rice Farm is a flagship project that reflects our commitment to maximizing Nasarawa’s agricultural potential.
The paddy rice distributed today is a symbol of our efforts to ensure that every citizen benefits from the resources of the state,” he said. Iyimoga expressed confidence that these measures would inspire more citizens to embrace modern farming techniques, further positioning Nasarawa as a leading state in agriculture.
The event was attended by dignitaries from both federal and state governments, including traditional rulers, local government officials, and a cross-section of residents who commended the federal and state governments for their collaborative efforts in driving development and ensuring the welfare of the people.