Nigeria, April 13, 2016 – A total number of 157 Individual farmers and fishermen in 11 communities across 4 Local government areas have benefited from the Presidential Initiative for the North East ( PINE) intervention in the removal of Typha grass along Kumadugu River Channel and 115 simplified village irrigation scheme in Yobe State.
Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal made the revelation at a ceremony to hand over farm implements and machines for removal of typha grass from rivers and irrigation channels.
Special Assistant to President on Political Matters who represented the SGF, Hon. Gideon Sammani assured the communities and the entire people of the North East of government’s commitment to the economic revitalization of the region.
He further said that the devastating effect of Typha grass along Kumadugu water channel has deprived people in the communities opportunity of engaging in fishing and dry season farming.
While stressing the mandate of PINE to invigorate the economy of the North East by mobilizing target resources to provide assistance to communities ravaged by insurgency, Lawal said about 11 communities in the 4 local government areas: Bade, Jakusko, Karasuwa and Nguru benefited from the project and establishment of simplified irrigation scheme which consist of 115 irrigation tube wells and pumping machines, 14 units 5.0-p aquatic marine engines, 14 units of big size locally made canoes, and 28 units small size locally made canoes.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the Federal Government gesture by being law abiding and making good use of the facilities and machines given to them.
Secretary of PINE, Mr. Umar Gulani said government efforts will include rehabilitation and renovation of schools, police stations, upgrading of health facilities and provision of food and non – food items to IDP camps and communities in the North East to alleviate suffering and revamp the economy of the region.
Earlier, Emir of Nguru, Mai Yerima Mustapha Ibin Galadima Maikyari informed the SGF’s representative and PINE officials, that the Buhari’s administration was indeed for the masses and that the decision to intervene in the removal of Typha grass and establishment of simplified irrigation scheme was a purposeful venture aimed at empowering the people of his community and indeed Yobe State.
The beneficiaries, farmers and fishermen were full of gratitude and promised judicious use of all machines and maintenance of facilities provided.
