Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security and other federal government initiatives.
During a meeting with the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, the governor emphasized Gombe State’s commitment to collaborating with the federal government to achieve self-sufficiency in food production by leveraging water and land resources.
Governor Inuwa highlighted the compatibility of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda with Gombe State’s development policies, as outlined in the state’s ten-year development plan ,Devagom. He expressed alignment with the agenda’s focus on enhancing and ensuring food security for the nation.
Seeking further support, Governor Inuwa urged the federal government to assist the state in harnessing its water potential. He specifically mentioned the Balanga Dam, emphasizing the need for technical support to engage credible partners capable of enhancing productivity and ensuring food security through the optimal utilization of resources.
Appreciating the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s assistance in addressing water scarcity in the state capital and its surroundings, the governor acknowledged collaborative efforts, including the Gombe regional water expansion project, aimed at mitigating water supply challenges.
Governor Inuwa praised the nearing completion of the Gombe regional water expansion project, highlighting its extensive scope, including a 160km pipe network, mega booster stations, and various facilities crucial for efficient water supply.
In response, the minister commended Governor Inuwa’s commitment to partnerships facilitating impactful projects in the state. Highlighting ongoing collaborations between the ministry and Gombe State Government on initiatives like PEWASH, SURWASH, and the regional water supply expansion, the minister recognized Gombe as a proactive participant in national projects.
The minister’s visit to Gombe was part of a nationwide tour focused on optimizing river basins’ potential to promote food security. He identified the Upper Benue River Basin’s significant potential in fostering agricultural productivity, employment generation, and hunger reduction, underscoring the importance of utilizing available resources for socio-economic development.
Urging support for the federal government’s objective of expanding cultivable lands along river basins, the minister emphasized the potential to significantly enhance crop production and address issues of hunger and insecurity in the country.
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