By Doris Esa

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated 2,000 advanced tractors and other agricultural equipment under the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme of the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises agricultural mechanisation as a key driver of food security and rural economic growth.

Speaking at the inauguration on Monday in Abuja, Tinubu said that the equipment when deployed, would empower mechanisation, create job opportunities and make farming easier.

Tinubu said that the tractors and agricultural implements unveiled was in fulfilment of the promise he made two years ago to transform the nation’s agricultural sector, increase productivity, and ensure food security for all Nigerians.

“We made a promise when we came in. We are fulfilling that promise. Two years ago, I signed the alarm on our nation’s food security,” he said.

Tinubu said that government had recognised that agricultural productivity was synonymous with national stability and food sovereignty.

“The ability to nourish our population from the bedrock of a prosperous nation and our ambition extends beyond mere self-sufficiency. We envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse.

“Supplying quality produce to international markets while ensuring every citizen has access to affordable nutrition.

“That’s why we took a bold decision to establish this renewed hope agricultural mechanisation programme. We are just beginning.

“You don’t have to use 18th century method for a 21st century agricultural farming. Our strategy encompasses year-round cultivation.

“We must seize the opportunity to achieve complete agricultural independence and food sovereignty.

“To stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy them with maximum efficiency, we will work with you, we will supervise you at various locations, and we will hold you accountable.

“Let history recall this day as the beginning of a Nigeria’s agricultural renewal, where modern technology made our farmers’ legendary resilience to great unprecedented prosperity,” he said.

He commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their productive effort in addressing the food crisis and maintaining stability with the country’s food system.

“Together, we shall cultivate a future where Nigeria is not only sustaining itself, but nourishes the world over,” he said.

In a remark, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said that the unveiling of the tractors and equipment was a landmark milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation journey.

“It is a bold affirmation that under the leadership of President Tinubu, agriculture is once again at the heart of our national development strategy.

“Never in Nigeria’s history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition and national focus.

“Guided by the President’s directive, we are today unveiling the single largest mechanisation ever undertaken in Nigeria.

“We have here before us 2,000 high-quality tractors with trailers, plows, harrows, sprayers, and planters.

“We also have 10 state-of-the-art 330-horsepower combined harvesters, 12 fully equipped mobile workshops, and over 9,000 complimentary implements and 9,000 sets of spare parts,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh