First Lady flags off 2026 planting season in Niger

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the 2026 farming season in Niger State.

The event also witnessed the distribution of farming tools and implements to farmers.

The event serves as a visible testament to the nation’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and rural prosperity.

Senator Tinubu said: “Today’s event is not just the commencement of another farming season; it is a bold statement that Nigeria is ready to feed herself. 

“It signals a deliberate transition from subsistence practices to modern, mechanised, and commercially viable agriculture.

“This gesture will no doubt empower our farmers with the tools needed to increase productivity, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen our GDP.

“In declaring a State of Emergency on Food Security on July 13th, 2023, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, made it clear that food availability and affordability must be treated as national priorities.  

“With the direct support to farmers through the release of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, this initiative by the Niger State Government aligns with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President on boosting agriculture for food self-sufficiency.”

The First Lady of Nigeria paid glowing tribute to the nation’s farmers who she described as the backbone of the country.

She added: “I want to especially commend our farmers, the men, women, and youth who rise before dawn and labour tirelessly on the land, so that millions of families can have food on their tables. 

“You are the backbone of our nation’s survival, and the reason for today’s support is to ensure that your efforts do not go unrecognised.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, emphasised that agriculture remains a priority of his administration noting that with the sector being one of the pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the sector will continue to get adequate support and attention.

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He commended President Tinubu for his boldness in removing fuel subsidy, which, he said, necessitated the nation to look more towards agriculture.

Bago said: “The removal of fuel subsidy has made more money available to the sub-nationals, which has made us, as a state, to achieve more in the area of agriculture.”

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, in his remarks commended the Niger State Government.

Sabi said with the provision of modern tools and implements, there would be enhanced productivity from farmers.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that with the flag-off of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will have over 300 dams, agricultural production and improved transportation of farming season produce is assured.

Senator Tinubu handed over a total of 250 tractors with 75 horse power capacity, 50 combined tractors, 150,000 bags of fertilizers, and others to be distributed among the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.

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