Power, Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola, has applauded Kebbi Governor, Atiku Bagudu, as a champion of change, leading an army of patriotic citizens to revolutionise the nation’s agriculture.
Fashola gave the commendation in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday when he paid Bagudu a courtesy visit while on an inspection visit of federal roads in the state.
He said: “Bagudu is a champion of change, leading an army of patriots, who have decided to go back to the farmlands to produce food and other crops for our citizens.
“People think it is easy to do; but I say it is not easy; it is not something you do today and cash the money tomorrow.
“You can sell petroleum today and the following day you get your money; but in farming, you have to wait, tear, fight qualea birds and insects before you get your cash.”
Fashola further said farmers were courageous people who persevere and fight with fortitude to adapt to changes in atmospheric conditions to produce food for citizens.
He said: “Any government that diversifies its economy, it means more jobs will open up for real farmers and more people will be earning descent and respectable incomes.”
The minister said he was in the state to bring the Federal Government’s message of support in helping to build critical roads that connect the state to other parts of the country.
He said: “We are going to construct the roads, kilometre by kilometre, until we finish them.
“The ongoing construction of Sokoto–Jega–Yauri Road is not an accident but targeted intervention to ensure our roads support agriculture and commerce.
“These roads will help farmers transport their produce for exchange and protect them from losses and delays after taking what they need for their own sustenance.”
In his remarks, Bagudu informed the minister that of the 21 local government areas in the state, 16 already had electricity.
He said his administration partnered with power distribution and transmission company to ensure stable power supply in the state.
He attributed his administration’s achievement in agriculture to President Muhammad Buhari’s consistent support and partnership with the Lagos State Government.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Lagos and Kebbi Governments forged partnership on rice development in the country.
Bagudu appealed to the Federal Government to assist the state to link up Kamba, a border town with Benin Republic, and other boundary villages with Zamfara.
The governor described Fashola as a blessing to Nigerians, adding that his track record as a public officer showed that he always put in his skills to impact positively on the nation’s development.
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