- Women to make up 40% of beneficiaries – Minister
BY EVELYN DADU, ABUJA – The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, says the successful implementation of the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in the nation’s capital aims to create approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a strong focus on women who will make up 40 percent of the beneficiaries.
Dr Mahmoud gave the assurance while flagging off the distribution of agricultural inputs to beneficiaries of the FCT SAPZ project, an initiative intended to revolutionize the agricultural sector of the FCT.
The Minister, who identified food as the most essential need for human survival, noted that agriculture plays a vital role in meeting human needs and remains the backbone of the economy that provides livelihoods for millions of people and ensures food security for the nation.
Noting that farmers and agro-industrial entrepreneurs face numerous and complex challenges, ranging from climate change, poor agricultural practices, and market access, Dr Mahmoud said these challenges require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
According to her; “It is for these reasons that the FCT Administration has fully embraced the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, an initiative that is in tune with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” predicated on injecting the much-needed manpower, resources and investments to reinvigorate the agricultural sector for sustainable development.
“We are optimistic that the agricultural inputs being distributed today, comprising Bull Calves, Animal Feeds, Crop Seeds, Fertilizers, and Crop Protection Chemicals and Equipment, will serve as a vital catalyst for building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector”
The Minister, represented by the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon Lawan Kolo Geidam, said the FCT Administration remains unwavering in its resolve to support and ensure the SAPZ project is successfully implemented, adding that over its 5-year duration, the initiative would seek to empower about 50,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries.
Expressing confidence that the project would achieve its set goals, Dr Mahmoud said; “It is truly gladdening to see that among the beneficiaries gathered here today are some of the 5,000 crop and livestock farmers who have been successfully profiled and cleared under the first phase of the SAPZ intervention”.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, noting that the decision would fast-track development within the sector which had long been neglected.
At the event, the Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, described the SAPZ initiative as focused on unlocking the potential of the livestock sub-sector in the FCT by providing critical financing and support to drive its growth, productivity, and sustainability.
Geidam, who was represented by Mrs Grace Adayilo, Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, highlighted the significant progress made within two years of the project, noting that this includes establishing an operational hub at the Paikon-Kore grazing reserve in Gwagwalada and making substantial impacts through the construction of value addition projects.
Also, the Mandate Secretary said beyond the training provided to various groups, the project would provide funding for the operations of the groups in their respective vocations which is expected to reduce the high cost of production, thereby enabling them to maximize earnings and improve their livelihood.
Giving an overview of the FCT SAPZ initiative, the Project Coordinator, Hajia Umma Abubakar, said it is aimed at transforming agriculture in Nigeria, stressing that the main objective is to enhance the livestock value chain as well as centralize the industrial processing and marketing of beef and dairy products.
Hajia Abubakar further said; “In addition, it is aimed at developing the rural areas, increasing household income, fostering job creation in rural agricultural communities, especially for the youth and women, enhancing food and nutrition security in FCT”
