I want Bauchi to take lead in Nigeria’s agricultural investment, agribusiness – Mohammed

…Trains 1,250 farmers, releases N625m grants for agric investment

Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir of Bauchi has said that he wants the State to lead Nigeria in terms of agriculture and agribusiness.

The governor said this during the flag-off of the 2026 wet farming season and released N625 million in starter grants to 1,250 trained farmers in a push to boost food production and strengthen food security, which was held in Bununu, Tafawa-Balewa local government area of the state.

He said the intervention targets post-harvest losses, higher farm incomes and stronger rural economies, and climate change had forced a shift to modern techniques, improved inputs, and better extension services.

“Agriculture today is knowledge-driven. Success depends not only on the size of one’s farm but also on the ability to apply innovation, technology, and good agronomic practices”, Governor Mohammed told the farmers.

He recalled that in 2021 his administration sponsored 1,000 youths and women from the State’s 20 LGAs for training at the International Skill Acquisition Centre of CSS Farms.

He said that the programme covered crop production, livestock, aquaculture, poultry, greenhouse technology, agribusiness management, value addition and entrepreneurship, adding that the State Government covered tuition, transport, accommodation, meals and other costs.

“Today, we are proud of the remarkable outcomes of that initiative. Many beneficiaries have established poultry, fishery, and crop production enterprises, while others have gone into processing and value addition.

“Several have become employers and role models in their communities, and the programme has helped reduce youth unemployment”, he noted.

Building on that, another 1,250 youths and women were trained in 2025; he said that the State Government had begun paying each of them a N500,000 starter grant, totalling N625 million.

“All beneficiaries must collect their money through the Commissioner of Agriculture. It is not cash. It is a cheque you will collect and go without being molested. Nobody should leave this place at night without collecting his or her cheque,” Mohammed directed the farmers.

“This intervention is an investment in productivity, enterprise, employment generation, and the future prosperity of our dear state,” he said, urging beneficiaries to use the funds to build sustainable businesses.

When you receive your N500,000, please do not disappear and suddenly remember that you need to organize an elaborate wedding. Or do not go and add another wife because the government gave you a starter pack,” he cautioned.