…As Senator empowers 300 Dry-Season Farmers
By Salihu Inusa, Maiduguri
THE Executive Chairman of Shani local government area, Hon. Hassan Labaki has said that his people are solidly behind their Senator, Mohammed Ndume and Governor Babagana Zulum for their disposition over the controversial Tax Reform Bills sent to the national assembly which has passed second reading at the Senate chambers last week.
Labaki made the position known at the official flag -off ceremony for distribution of 300 water pumping machines, 300 Knapsack Sprayers, 1500 Pre-Planting Pesticides and 1500 Post-Planting Pesticides, as well as empowerment support to 180 Ndume Sustainable Farmers Initiative.
The gesture which was sponsored by Senator Ndume took place week end at the Emir of Shani’s Palace, HRH. Alhaji Muhammad Nasir Mailafiya.
He specifically thanked Ndume for distributing such an impactful agricultural inputs, adding that, this is a routine gesture, as Senator Ndume has been distributing tractors, fertilizers, insecticides/pesticides, improved seeds varieties and other farming inputs to his constituents in every cropping season across the nine council areas.
Recall that in July this year, the Senator reached out to over 18,000 farmers who received bags of fertilizers and other inputs during a program held in Briyel, the council headquarters of Bayo.
The Chairman in his welcome address at the occasion, commended governor Zulum for his open -door policy which have instilled unity, progress and impacted positively on the lives of the citizenry.
He insisted that, “Senator Ndume and Governor Zulum among other Tax Reform Bill critiques have identified several negative impact the bills would cause Nigerians, especially resilient people in the Northeast Sub-region who are still recuperating from the devastating effect of over decade Boko Haram crisis, flood and other disasters that have put them into severe economic hardships”.
Labaki however hailed Governor Zulum, Distinguished Senator Ndume and all other people who continue to stay firm in condemning the Tax Reform Bills and defending the interest of Borno and Nigerian masses.
Also in his remarks, the Emir of Shani, HRH Alhaji Nasiru Mailafiya, lauded the Senator’s efforts, describing him as a “classic representative” with the interests of his people at heart.
The Emir further urged the Senator to intensify efforts towards establishing the Shani Federal College of Agriculture, which remains a pressing need for the region.
The founder of the Ndume Sustainable Farmers Initiative, Hajia Maryam Ali Ndume, represented by Madam Kwapaya Ayuba, shed more light on the vision behind the Ndume Sustainable Farmers. Noting that, “the idea is to help Southern Borno constituents become self-reliant through sustainable agricultural development,” she explained.
Senator Ndume who was represented by the former Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Abubakar Jato, emphasized the importance of investing in agriculture to combat food insecurity and enhance economic growth in the region.
“I was invited to represent our good Senator to present these agricultural inputs to beneficiaries. Senator Ndume’s message is clear: Work Towards Developing Yourself,” Jato conveyed.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of the Ndume Sustainable Farmers 2024 Season, in which, Hawul Local Government Area emerged as the overall winner, receiving awards and cash prizes, while Kwaya Kusar and Bayo local government areas took second and third positions, respectively.
