Circum Farms, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL), has flagged off the first phase of a farm project covering about 2000 hectares of land at the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command (TAC) Base in Makurdi, Benue State.
The project, aimed at enhancing the country’s food security, is expected to employ at least 500 people consisting of relatives of NAF personnel and members of the host community.
Speaking during the official launch of the farms at the NAF Base, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Circum Farms, Sylvester Uzoama, said the project was an integrated farm with engineering precision that would use mechanization to enhance capacity.
Uzoama said the expanse of land made available for the project would be usable for over 10 varieties of crops, adding that the farm would first test run using 500 hectares to cultivate rice, cowpea, ginger, cassava, yam and dairy products.
He said the use of semi-skilled workers involving the engagement of extension officers, unskilled people and women in the host community would not only generate huge employment but promote peace among inhabitants.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo, who flagged off the project, said over 500 direct jobs would be created.
Lubo expressed gratitude that the initiative has commenced in the command, maintaining that “food security is vital to the country.”
On his part, the Managing Director of Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL), Air Vice Marshal Uchenna Nwagwu, explained that the project was owned by NAF personnel across the country.
He said NAFIL was providing 2000 hectares of land as its equity contribution while Circum Farms would provide the equipment and expertise for the project, stressing that the initiative was designed to meet not only the needs of the personnel but also that of the communities and the general public.
