FG urged to engage North more in agriculture to tackle poverty, insecurity

Northern stakeholders under the umbrella of Arewa New Agenda (ANA) have called on the federal government to engage the North in agriculture, solid minerals and other areas in order to tackle insecurity, poverty and other challenges facing the region.

They made the call at the follow up ‘Conference on Tackling Poverty in Northern Nigeria’ held in Abuja on Saturday.

ANA’s Convener, Sen. Ahmad MoAllahyidi, said they have proposed some ways that should be followed for the robust engagement to reposition the North and enable it explore its human and other potentials for sustainable development.

He said the proposal was the outcome of the review of the concerns of the elders about youth restiveness, crime and criminality ravaging the region, which was discussed at the first conference held on November 1st, 2023.

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Sen. MoAllahyidi, however, noted that with only 35 percent of arable land in Nigeria being cultivated presently, their proposal is to key into the target of the federal government to increase arable land in the country to 65 per cent in four years.

The stakeholders therefore proposed the establishment of the Integrated Enterprising Productivity Inclusion Platforms in each of the 19 Northern States to influence commercial production and value addition.

According to them, it is expected to create 10 million jobs for the youth while the revenue earnings for the government at all levels will receive unprecedented boost.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed, said they are concerned about the future of the North and its youths.

He urged members to remain committed to the objectives being pursued by the ANA.

Ahmed reminded that sincerity of purpose, fear of God and commitment to welfare and well being of the majority rather than self remains the most effective means to reposition the North and usher in the elusive peace and prosperity it desires.