The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Ramatu Tijjani-Aliyu has
expressed the FCT Administration’s determination to establish integrated and demonstration farms in the six Area Councils of the Territory.
This, according to the Minister is targeted at creating more job opportunities in the FCT, just as she identified agriculture as key to bridge the unemployment gap in the entire country.
Aliyu who gave this indication when she visited Integrated Farms Limited in collaboration with SCC Nigeria Limited in Kagoro Area of Kaduna State at the Weekend also affirmed that soil test will commence by January 2020 in the six Area Councils to ascertain the viability of the project in of them.
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She noted that the proposed integrated and demonstration farms when established will further strengthen and empower farmers, thereby bridging the unemployment gap in the nation’s capital.
The Minister expressed confidence that Abuja has a huge market to accommodate all produce from such integrated farms, stressing that it will further enhance the economic activities of the territory.
“I came here with Chairmen of the six area councils to carry out on the spot assessment of Integrated Farm in collaboration with SCC Nigeria Limited with a view to replicating such in all the councils across the territory. What we have seen so far is quite encouraging and I can assure you that it is achievable.
“I have no doubt in my mind that if properly executed in the FCT, it will not only bridge the unemployment gap, but it will further boost the economic activities of farmers. We as an administration will continue to strengthen and empower the youth and women in the agricultural value chain,” she said.
Aliyu called for the technical support of the management of the farm, especially in the area of training, noting that such assistance will further deepen the existing relationship between the FCT Administration and the firm.
Kabiru Sule, one of the agronomists who took the Minister round the farm explained that the farm has lifted thousands of youth out of poverty, noting that if the government must wage a decisive war against unemployment and poverty, the potential in the agricultural sector should be harnessed.
Speaking on behalf of other Council Chairmen, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Abdulrahman Ajiya commended the initiatives of the Minister in the area of job creation and poverty reduction since her assumption of office.
Ajiya pledged the determination of the six area councils to key into the agricultural project aimed at tackling unemployment among rural youths.
