The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has commended the Governor, Central Bank Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele for the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).
Speaking at the inauguration of the dry season wheat farming and distribution of wheat seeds as well as other farm inputs to farmers under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State recently, the Sultan appreciated the CBN for making the dry season farming possible with its support of funds for the programme saying that the Bank’s commitment is worthy of celebration at all times. AlhajiAbubakar maintained that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is the key to ensuring food security for the nation.
A statement further quoted the Sultan to have said there was need for partnership between governments at all levels to evolve solution to end the farmers and herdsmen crisis.
Sultan Abubakar III gave his assurance that government can count on his support in tackling the incessant crisis between the two groups.
The Kebbi State Governor and Chairman of the Presidential Task force on Rice and Wheat, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudusaid tremendous success had been achieved since the launch of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme by President MuhammaduBuhari on November 17, 2015 in Birin-Kebbi.
The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the state with an estimated population of about five million, almost 85 per cent of the population are engaged in farming as their main occupation. The former Speaker of House of Representivessaid the crux/objective of agriculture in Sokoto State is to reduce poverty and achieve sustenance farming to help cater for the well being of the farmers.
Emefiele in his remarks said the commendation should be directed to President Muhammadu Buhari for showing focus and commitment in diversifying from oil and gas to agriculture and reduce heavy reliance on imported food into the country.
Emefiele commended the Sokoto State for the purchase and distribution of farm inputs to the farmers at highly subsidisedrate. The CBN Governor assured that with the Sokoto State meeting its equity counterpart funding, the state will access the N220 billion Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS).
