By Abbas Nazil
In a historic effort aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing food insecurity and promoting national development, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Saturday, June 28, convened a national colloquium on agriculture and unveiled the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation’s Endowment Fund.
Held in Abuja, the one-day gathering, themed: “Food and the Nation,” brought together participants from across Nigeria and beyond, underlining the urgent need to transform the country’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the colloquium, Abubakar expressed deep gratitude to Allah for the success of the event and reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to agricultural advancement and youth empowerment.
He emphasized that the initiatives of his foundation are closely aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on improving living standards, fostering national unity, and driving inclusive economic growth.
The Etsu Nupe praised existing collaborations among Silicon Valley Nigeria, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Niger State Government on various agricultural projects, describing them as vital to unleashing the sector’s transformative potential.
He stressed the need to equip Nigerian youths with relevant skills and employment opportunities, identifying the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme as an essential component of sustainable empowerment.
Highlighting his vision for Niger State’s development, Abubakar expressed hope that the progress achieved would serve as a model for replication across other regions of the country.
He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, and economic development, especially in rural communities.
Retired Col. Sani Bello, chairman of the occasion, represented by retired Brig.-Gen. Tunde Ogbeha, extended heartfelt commendations to the Etsu Nupe, the Bida Emirate Council, and the entire Nupe Kingdom.
Bello, a prominent elder statesman, highlighted both his personal and professional ties to the Etsu Nupe through Mainstream Energy Solution and lauded Abubakar’s visionary leadership and result-oriented initiatives.
Bello acknowledged the potential of the newly launched foundation to uplift the less privileged and create life-changing opportunities for young Nigerians.
He praised its focus on achieving food security not only within the Nupe Kingdom or Niger State but across Nigeria.
He further urged collective support and active participation in the foundation’s programs to maximize its developmental impact.
He noted that the timing of the colloquium was highly appropriate, considering the rising concerns over food insecurity in the country.
Bello applauded Abubakar’s proactive approach in offering viable solutions to Nigeria’s agricultural challenges and contributing meaningfully to national food security.