The Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday hosted in Maiduguri the graduation ceremony of about 269 soil doctors and extension workers.
Graduates selected from across the 27 local government areas of Borno State were trained on soil analysis and extension services under the National Young Farmers Scheme, championed by the National Land Development Agency in collaboration with Borno State Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries Development.
About 1,000 youth graduates are expected to benefit from the training, which will be conducted in batches of 200.
Standing in for President Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Senate, Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, commended Zulum for his excellent working relationship with Federal Government agencies.
Senator Lawan applauded Zulum’s efforts towards transforming Borno State.
He said the Governor, though faced with challenges, stands tall among his peers in providing governance to the common man.
On his part, Zulum emphasised the need for more extension workers to revitalise the agricultural sector in Nigeria.
Zulum commended his predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima, for the huge agricultural equipments he procured during his tenure.
Similarly, the Governor acknowledged the tremendous effort put in place by the Executive Secretary of NALDA for the scheme to take off.
The Borno State Commissioner of Animal Resources and Fisheries Development, Juliana Bitrus, disclosed that Zulum has approved the release of all counterpart funds as well as stipends to the 269 first batch youth graduate beneficiaries.
The Commissioner added that the Governor also approved the allocation of over 15 hectares of land for the Young Farmers Scheme in 40 different locations.
Bitrus said another 2,000 unemployed youth would be trained on fish farming under the Young Farmers Scheme, while 40 other fish processors would also benefit from the same scheme.
NALDA’s Executive Secretary, Paul Ikonne, said Zulum is one of the proactive Governors that provided enabling environment for the Young Farmers Scheme to be implemented in their states.
In a goodwill message, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, expressed appreciation for Zulum’s support to Corps members serving in Borno State.
The DG said Zulum has in the last two years released over N400 million for the welfare of corps members in Borno State.
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; Senator Kashim Shettima; Senator Abubakar Kyari; representative of the Governor of Bauchi State; Secretary to the Borno State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa; Head of Service, Simon Malgwi; and the Chief Staff to Zulum, Prof. Isa Marte Husainni, were among those in attendance.
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