Tinubu’s Govt Commitment Food Security Highlighted as Amb Tuggar Engages Udobo Community in Bauchi State

By Raymond Enoch

In a resounding display of the Federal Government’s commitment to combating food insecurity and empowering rural farmers, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, assured the farming community of Udobo, Gamawa, in Bauchi State that their land rights would be protected under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Tuggar made this statement during a significant community engagement, reaffirming the government’s determination to revitalize agricultural productivity and safeguard local farming livelihoods.

Historically, Udobo was a key agricultural hub, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s food output in the 1960s and 70s. However, the community has long faced neglect, compounded by climate-induced challenges, including devastating floods that have undermined crop production in recent years.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government, led by President Tinubu, is focusing on reviving the region’s agricultural potential without displacing local farmers or threatening their land ownership.

Tuggar, addressing the community, stressed, “This land fed nations. We aim to revive that legacy without displacing those who till it.” He promised that under the current administration, no farmer would lose their land, underscoring the importance of land ownership for farmers’ prosperity and the nation’s food security.

The Minister outlined the federal government’s approach, highlighting plans for rural empowerment, climate-resilient infrastructure, and science-driven farming methods to enhance agricultural productivity. He also promised the community a key role in ensuring national food security by encouraging them to “grow what you eat first,” with surplus crops to be supported by government programs aimed at ensuring market access and fair prices.

In an effort to optimize agricultural output, Tuggar announced that the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) would assist in improving water access in Udobo’s Fadama wetlands. Additionally, climate-smart agricultural tools would be introduced to help farmers adapt to the changing weather patterns that have negatively impacted their harvests.

Tuggar’s visit was also a follow-up to his diplomatic efforts last year, where he played a crucial role in securing support for communities devastated by floods, including Udobo. The Minister detailed how the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and federal agencies had provided funding for resilient infrastructure in flood-affected areas, thanks to his diplomatic interventions.

One of the beneficiaries of these efforts, Hajiya Aisha, expressed her gratitude, emphasizing that the community had been neglected for years without any significant assistance from the state government. She acknowledged that the federal government’s support, including the provision of fertilizers, would significantly boost local farmers in the upcoming rainy season.

“We are very grateful to Tuggar for his support to our community. I am sure the fertilizers he gave us will help a lot of farmers during the upcoming rainy season,” Hajiya Aisha stated.

The community’s youth leader, Musa Adamu Udobo, also voiced his appreciation while urging the government to take further steps in curbing urban migration by empowering the youth in agriculture. “Empowerment must reach young farmers to curb urban migration. We are grateful to the Minister for his diplomatic efforts to bring sustainable development to our community. He has fulfilled his promise, and we will not forget this massive support,” he remarked.

Ambassador Tuggar closed his address by reinforcing President Tinubu’s commitment to easing the burden of economic reforms on the Nigerian populace. “Pain is temporary; progress is permanent. Microcredit schemes and subsidized machinery will soon follow,” he assured the crowd.

Tuggar concluded by emphasizing the critical link between food security and national security, declaring, “Food security is national security. Udobo’s revival symbolizes our resolve: a Nigeria where no farmer fears progress.” The community responded with enthusiastic applause, hopeful for the future as they look to work in tandem with the government to restore Udobo to its former agricultural glory.

The efforts outlined by Ambassador Tuggar reflect a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that local communities are equipped to meet both the challenges of climate change and the demands of a growing population. Through partnerships and the application of modern technologies, the Federal Government is paving the way for a sustainable, food-secure future.