The Jigawa State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Idris Yau Mai Unguwa Jaga has disclosed that their reasons for supporting continuity in the state, remains for the development of agriculture at both dry and rainy seasons. He stated this in an interview with our correspondent, JABIRU A HASSAN in Dutse, where he said that agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Jigawa State since inception..
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The 2023 gubernatorial elections is fast approaching and you remained solidly behind the reelection of All Progressive Congress (APC), what is your reasons for supporting Continuity?
First of all, let me thank the Almighty Allah for giving me this opportunity to have an interaction with Nigeria’s famous newspaper which was founded by late Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of Sokoto (may his soul rest in peace). Secondly I am also happy to express our support to continuity in order to continue benefiting from the government’s agricultural development programmes in Jigawa State.
Furthermore, we have seen how our dynamic Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar includes agriculture into his blueprint in which the state’s agricultural systems remain beneficial to farmers and for developing the farmers economy at both dry and rainy seasons, which is a landmark achievement.
Can you state some of the achievements brought in by Badaru administration in agricultural sector across Jigawa State?
Although there is not much time that would allow me to reveal everything, but the farmers are aware that Badaru-led administration has done commendable work that has boosted profitable farming across Jigawa State and we received a helping hands that facilitate our farming activities in all crops value chains.
It is gratifying to state that agriculture received a boost from the present administration and we are certain that his successor, Malam Umar Namadi Dan Modi would step into the shoes of His Excellency, Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar because his policies are built on solid background that would bring progress to agriculture and farming occupation.
In your previous interaction with this newspaper, you talked about the issue of flooding in Jigawa State, which is taking another dimension and becoming a threat to food production, are you satisfied with how the government is taking measures to reduce the menace of flooding in your state?
This is an interesting question and I am sure the flooding is frightening the people of Jigawa State, not only farmers, because homes and other infrastructure are often affected by the flood. But what the Jigawa State Government has done would reduce the severance of the issue and we are grateful that the Badaru administration has done well in this respect.
Our association has called for the intervention and the government has also listened to our appeal and waded into the matter of flooding. The government first constituted a committee to assess what happened across the state, inaugurated a committee that raised funds for assisting those who suffered from the flooding and brought experts from Netherlands to ascertain how the flooding would be tacked in future.
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria under my leadership is working selflessly to ensure that our teaming members benefit from all provisions from government, agricultural development partners and the non governmental agencies that are working in the state on agricultural projects, which is another landmark achievement recorded.
Do you expect more support from the incoming administration as a farmers association despite the succession of governance?
That is why we canvassed our support for Malam Umar Namadi Dan Modi, the current deputy governor of Jigawa State and our gubernatorial candidate under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). We are satisfied that his agenda includes agricultural development. And we would support the government that promotes our occupation like Dan Modi whom we believe would give us maximum consideration in his administration.
President Muhammadu Buhari paid a working visit to Jigawa State where he laid foundation for the progress on many agricultural development projects, how did you ascertain this development?
That is the reason why we support continuity because what president Buhari has done in Jigawa State is a clear indication that his successor would build on his foundation. I am of the opinion that our next leaders would not neglect what their predecessors have laid the foundation, therefore, we are ready to vote leaders that are also set to give us the best.
Thank you sir for giving us your time despite your tight schedule as a member of the APC Campign Council in Jigawa State?
I am happy to have a time with the New Nigerian Newspapers, Nigeria’s oldest news medium and we recognize its content, which remains neutral without bias in its reportage. I call on all the farmers to vote for Malam Umar Namadi under the platform of APC on March 18 as rescheduled by Nigeria’s electoral body.
