Niger govt partners Soilless farm labs to drive agric innovation

Niger govt partners Soilless farm labs to drive agric innovation

By George George Idowu

A delegation from Niger State, led by Special Adviser on Social Investment Program, Hauwa Bako, has paid a visit to Soilless Farm Labs in Ogun State in order to bolster food security and sufficiency in their state and region.

In a statement released by Usman Ebbo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy, the visit by Commissioners and Special Advisers from Niger State is a key component of the government’s plan to transform the state into a leading agricultural hub.

He said they are adopting innovative practices like soilless farming, and the state aims to enhance its agricultural output and secure food for its population.

During their visit, the delegation toured advanced agricultural facilities, interacted with participants in ongoing training sessions, and engaged in discussions with stakeholders involved in the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture through Technology-enabled Vegetable Production (EYIA) Project.

The team also met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Abeokuta residence.

The former President lauded Governor Bago’s commitment to an agricultural revolution aimed at achieving food security in Nigeria.

He emphasized the urgency of self-sufficiency in food production, warning that the nation’s inability to feed itself poses a significant risk.

Obasanjo urged other governors to follow Niger State’s example in prioritizing agricultural development, stressing that sustained investment in agriculture is essential not only for feeding Nigeria’s population but also for boosting the nation’s GDP through food exports.

The delegation included Commissioners for Agriculture, Environment, Power and Energy, and MSME, as well as Special Advisers on Social Investment Program, Environment, Climate Change, and Print Media.