News Editor
By Edwin Philip
Taraba Farmers are the first in the Northeast to benefit from the good course programme of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) under the current dispensation when 25 water-pumping machines were donated to dry season farmers to provide vital agricultural equipment to support. The Executive Secretary of the Fund Comrade Tosin Adeyanju said that the initiative would be implemented across the federation to address irrigation-related challenges in order to promote improved crop yields and economic growth.
Comrade Adeyanju, who was represented by Mallam Sagir Ahmed Mohammed, assistant director monitoring and evaluation while addressing the beneficiaries, stated that
“We are here to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to empowering rural communities through sustainable agricultural development. This donation of water-pumping machines aligns with our mission to promote GOOD CAUSES for citizens and communities as well as the less opportuned across the country to enhance food security and poverty reduction.”
In a statement signed by Arowolo Solomon Alaba who is the Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary (Media & Corporate Communications) and sent to TMS news, Adeyanju was quoted to have recalled previous interventions by the NLTF in Taraba State which included
various areas such as the provision of sports equipment to 59 public primary schools, first-aid boxes and kits to 9 public secondary schools, vital medical equipment to the General Hospital, Bali, as well as the support given by the agency to several women empowerment programmes, and the provision of empowerment materials for women and youth in Taraba”
He noted the importance of irrigation in improving agricultural production, addressing water scarcity, boosting crop yields, and enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change. “Irrigation is crucial for improving agricultural production, addressing water scarcity, boosting crop yields, and enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change. These machines will address some irrigation-related challenges that our farmers face in order to increase their productivity, income, and overall well-being.”
The NLTF boss also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his vision towards a better Nigeria, which places premuim on agricultural development, rural transformation and inclusive growth adding that: “We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and vision for a better Nigeria, prioritising agricultural development, rural transformation and inclusive growth. His Renewed Hope mandate inspires us to work tirelessly towards a brighter future for Nigerian communities.”
“We promise to continue spreading GOOD CAUSES across Nigeria, to foster inclusive growth, the quality of life, and social progress. Our Monitoring and Evaluation team will conduct regular visits to ensure that the equipment are deployed for the desired intentions and benefits to the people.”,
Adeyanju stressed that “the donation marked the beginning of a new chapter in our partnership with Taraba State farmers. We look forward to witnessing the transformative impacts of these pumping machines while exploring opportunities for further collaboration during dry season farming.
In his remarks, Hon. Nassir Muhammed, who spoke on behalf of the Gassol Local Government Chairman, said, “We are profoundly grateful to President Tinubu and the National Lottery Trust Fund for this life-changing initiative. The distribution of pumping machines to our farmers will revolutionise agricultural production in our region, and we look forward to witnessing the transformative impacts it will have on our communities.”
“We are confident that these machines will revolutionise our farming practices, reduce our reliance on rainfall, and make us more resilient to climate change. We assure the NLTF that we will make the most of this donation and ensure the machines are properly maintained and utilised.”
Speaking on behalf of the farmers who benefited from NLTF’s donation of water pumping machines, Mohammed Lawali Lau expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the NLTF for the intervention emphasised that the machines will no doubt, incentivise the farmers, stimulate economic activities and contribute to achieving food security in Nigeria through sustainable agriculture.
He said, “We are extremely thankful for these machines which will enable us to farm during the dry season and significantly increase our profits. This generous donation from the National Lottery Trust Fund has come at the right time, and we are eager to put the machines to good use.
“With these machines, we can now farm throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Our crop yields will increase, and we will be able to supply fresh produce to the market consistently, adding that this means more income for families and a better life for communities.
“The impact of this donation goes beyond just our farms.
It will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to food security in the state.
Adding that they are proud to partner with the NLTF and appreciate their commitment to empowering rural communities through sustainable agricultural development.
