… Zulum praises Shettima for the agro “war chest”
By Ndahi Marama – Maiduguri
Following the recent restoration of Borno Plastic Company by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has placed an order for the production of two million pieces of plastic bags, mostly with a capacity 50 kg.
NALDA Executive Secretary Prince Paul Ikonne announced the partnership Tuesday in Maiduguri when he took the directors on a courtesy visit to Governor Zulum.
“We have seen what you (Zulum) are doing, we have seen your factories and I want to inform you that in one of your factories, the bag factory, NALDA is placing an order for 2 million bags for food packaging nationwide. program in which Borno has been selected as one of the pilot states.
Mr. Ikonne also assured that NALDA will continue to sponsor Borno’s Plastic Company products to promote local content.
The head of NALDA also informed Governor Zulum that his visit was on the order of President Buhari with a mandate to reactivate all abandoned NALDA farms in different parts of Nigeria.
Ikonne announced that Borno and another state have been chosen as pilot states where 2,040 young people will participate in fish farming in Borno alone.
He pointed out that the 2,040 young farmers will be properly trained and equipped in the processing and packaging of fish under the National Scheme for Young Farmers indicated by the president in November of last year.
Zulum praises Shettima for the agro “war chest”
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has paid tribute to his predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima for his bold vision and heavy investment in acquiring capital-intensive agricultural machinery, making Borno one of the most equipped for agriculture in Nigeria. .
Zulum spoke in response to the comment from NALDA’s E.S, Mr. Ikonne, who expressed surprise at the volume of farm equipment in Borno’s possession.
“In the agricultural equipment you mentioned, frankly, the credit goes to my predecessor, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, for his vision and for making such a large investment in purchasing a variety of agricultural equipment from all over the world. The governor at that time, created an agricultural transformation committee, of which I was a member and we traveled together to China, Turkey, India, Pakistan, the United States identifying equipment, negotiating directly and purchasing it. Today, Borno has an incredible volume of powerful agricultural equipment that includes different factories for the production of agricultural equipment, for food processing and net houses, among others ”.
Zulum recalled that several of the equipment could not be used due to the insurgency that restricted access to agricultural lands, particularly in rural areas.
However, Zulum assured the head of NALDA of Borno’s determination to make the most of all equipment on safe farmland.
The governor thanked the head of NALDA for his visit and for his interest in supporting the ongoing agricultural restoration efforts in Borno.
Zulum called on NALDA to give IDPs special priority in targeting young farmers to be trained and equipped in food processing, and promised that the Borno government will work hand in hand with NALDA towards implementation. successful of all interventions for the benefit of citizens.
