Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday inaugurated
a mini water treatment plant in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area of Yobe.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammed Nanono, said at the inauguration and hand over
of the plant that the project was meant to uplift the living condition of the people of the community.
The minister said that the plant construction became imperative “because water is one of the basic necessities of life and
so the provision of clean and potable water for domestic use is important.”
Nanono, who was represented by Umaru Mohammed, Zonal Director, North East Zonal Office of the ministry, said that safe
drinking water would ensure healthy living and promote agricultural activities and other development.
The minister appealed for adequate security in the premises to avoid pilfering of equipment and urged the people to imbibe
maintenance culture to keep the plant functioning.
He added that “we appeal to the state government, local government and the traditional institution to collaborate and
ensure that the project is properly used and maintained.
“Government has initiated many programmes in the agriculture sector, aimed at effectively contributing to the nation’s food security and poverty
alleviation.
“They include the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, Nigeria Inventive-based Risk Sharing for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL),
Anchor Borrowers Programme, resuscitation of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).”
Nanono said that the move would create employment for vulnerable women and youths through training, advocacy, research, entrepreneurship,
leadership development, information technology and partnership designed to increase the productivity and profitability of agricultural sector.
Dr Mairo Amshi, the Yobe Commissioner for Agriculture, lauded Federal Government for the gesture and urged members of the community
to take ownership of the project.
Alhaji Adamu Dagona, the Direcror, Personnel and Management, Bade Local Government, said the importance of the project to the entire people
of Gashua town could not be overemphasised.
He said “the project is very important not only to the people of this community but to the entire people of Gashua town in terms of reducing
the spread of water related diseases in the community.”
He assured that the local government council, traditional rulers and other stakeholders would synergise in maintaining the project to
ensure its sustainability.
