Gombe Scribe charges Caretaker LG Chairmen, Commissioners on performance
The Secretary to Government of Gombe State, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, has charged Commissioners and Local Government Caretaker Chairmen to be innovative in handling policies and programmes for the benefit of the people.
Njodi gave the charge when he led the Commissioners and Caretaker LGA Chairmen to engage a delegation of the Institute National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
The SGS said for every Ministry established by the state government is expected that development issues are brought up in form of policy or programme to help drive the overall development of the state.
He said days are gone when Ministries stay dormant only expecting instructions from the governor as the establishment and appointment of Commissioners is to assist the government to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
While commending the team of researchers from ABU Institute of Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services for sharing their success stories with the government, Njodi challenged the Commissioners of Agriculture and his Local Government counterpart to further engage the Institute for proper proposals to the government.
The SGS noted that agriculture remains the major solution to addressing unemployment and youth restiveness as well as enhancing food security in the state given the vast potentials of land and water sources for agricultural activities.
The engagement followed a presentation on the successful research and implementation of farmer education and training on innovative Agricultural approach sponsored by Ashaka Cement Company as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to host communities.
Introducing the objectives of the Institute the team lead, Professor Yusuf Alhaji Sani, said it was established in 1962 as of part 18 research institutes in Nigeria with the mandate to develop strategies aimed at improving Agricultural practices through research and innovation in Northern Nigeria.
Professor Sani said the initiative sponsored by the Ashaka Cement PLC has resulted in the upliftment of participating famers livelihood as their understanding and knowledge of modern agricultural activities has greatly appreciated translating into higher yields.
He said apart from farm management and use of improved seeds the beneficiaries were introduced to new cropping systems like irish potatoes and green peas farming with great turn over.
During the presentation, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, indicated that the basic component of the project is capacity building of the targeted farmers in farm financial group and leadership roles management for the various farming associations participating.
Dr Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed that over 30 farming associations in Funakaye, Akko and Billiri LGAs benefitted from the project with greater percentage improvement in their income generation activities.
He therefore appealed to the state government to scale up in order to cover all the 11 LGAs as well as enter collaboration with the institute which prides itself on integrity to train Agricultural Extension Officers in both the state and local governments.
Our correspondent reports that the presentation allowed participants to ask Questions and get feedback in form of answers.
Joshua Danmalam, Information Officer SGS’ office.
