The Niger State Government has earmarked N3.5 billion to establish a state Agric Development Fund as incentives for youths to engage in agro-business.
According to a statement released on Tuesday in Minna by Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s chief press secretary, the announcement was made during a technical session of the First Niger Green Economy Summit.
According to the governor’s spokesman, the project would be initiated by the state government by contributing N1 billion to the development fund.
Bago continued by saying that each of the 25 local government chairmen in the state would contribute N100 million to the fund.
He declared that the first 1,000 young people to embrace the plan would gain from a grant of N1 million each.
“The N3.5 billion that will be realized will be used to purchase seedlings for the youth to return to farming,” according to the statement.
The statement went on to say that Agricultural Extension Colleges would be established in all 25 Local Governments, with approximately four hectares of land cleared for nurseries.
While Bago acknowledged the importance of geo-mapping, he sought collaboration with relevant organizations such as the NNPC in addressing climate change and other environmental hazards, according to the statement.
The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mele Kyari, represented at the event by the Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, pledged support to the state government in its quest to have a Green Economy.
“NNPC is set to collaboratively give indirect jobs to 500,000 Nigerlites,” Ogunleye said.
Usman Kumo, Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, also pledged his support for the state’s Green Economy.
According to Crediblenews, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the “One Hectare, One Family Foundation” was the highlight of the session.
The agreement called for the state to receive one million banana seedlings.
The event also featured presentations, panel discussions, as well as questions and answers.
