By George George Idowu
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, speaking at the 10th edition of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture in Borno State, asserted that agriculture serves as the primary solution to address the prevailing insecurity in the northern region of Nigeria.
Commending the resilience of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Governor Bago attributed the historical emphasis on agriculture in the northern region to the legacy of the iconic figure.
Highlighting the region’s historical prominence in agriculture, predating Nigeria’s oil discovery, Governor Bago stressed the need to return to agrarian roots to reduce dependence on federal allocations.
Related Posts
Popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” Bago outlined strategic plans for agriculture, aiming to repurpose ungoverned spaces – known hubs for banditry – into productive agricultural lands. Substantial resources have been allocated for land clearing and agricultural preparations.
Advocating for the incorporation of technology and mechanization in agricultural practices, Governor Bago emphasized the imperative role of the government in fostering an enabling environment for agricultural growth and sustainability.
The theme of the yearly Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture, “Creating Pathways for Peace: Tackling Banditry and Insurgency through Good Governance for Sustainable Development,” underscores the urgent need for comprehensive governance approaches to combat insecurity and promote lasting development in the region.
Governor Bago’s proactive stance aligns with the historical significance of agriculture and aims to transform vulnerable areas into productive landscapes, contributing to regional peace and prosperity.
