A Nasarawa-based Non-Governmental Organization, named Activista, has called on the Nasarawa State Governmentat to ensure robust investment and a sustainable agricultural policy that will guarantee food security in the state.
The group, which has been working in collaboration with the ActionAid, is however seeking partnership with the Nassarawa State Government to end hunger, poverty and restiveness among youths in the State.
Anna Envoh, the State Coordinator of Activista, who stated this shortly after a Hunger-Free Nigeria Campaign in Lafia, Nasarawa State Capital, particularly called on the State Government to prioritize empowering youths agriculturally to reduce the rate of hunger, unemployment and poverty.
According to her, the Hunger-Feee Nigeria Campaign was an initiative of Activista, with support from ActionAid, toward reducing hunger and poverty in Nasarawa State.
Envoh listed Young Men’s Christian Christian Association (YMCA), Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (S-SUNN), Girls Get Equal, and Advocacy for Women with disability are some of the civil society organisations supporting the hunger free campaign.
The Activista Coordinator, specifically mentioned possible areas of collaboration with government, through the state Ministry of Agriculture to include: agriculture support services to small-scale farmers, youth-friendly agricultural policies.
Other areas are increased investment in agriculture to improved food security, and strengthened relationships with civil society organizations, and youth movements like Activista, to ensure their voices are heard.
“We commend the efforts of the Nasarawa Government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture toward food security, however, we are seeking more collaboration in the following area to benefit youths and achieve their goals.
“We demand that the ministry provides affordable fertilizer and support small-scale farmers, who are the backbone of our system to increase productivity and income.
“We demand increased investment in agriculture, in the areas of irrigation, mechanization, and extension services, to increase productivity and efficiency of our farmers,” she urged.
Umaru Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary in the Agricultural Ministry, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Lydia Kyari, said that the Ministry is ready to support young people who would want to venture into farming.
Abdullahi noted the State Government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule had placed a premium on agriculture and food security, and has been supporting farmers with farm inputs.
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