In a concerted effort to alleviate poverty and enhance agricultural productivity, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) have launched significant initiatives to distribute agricultural inputs to farmers in Ekiti and Bauchi States.
In Ekiti State, through the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria, 3,000 farmers across Ise/Orun Local Government Area and Gbonyin Local Council Development Area received essential farming supplies. Each farmer was provided with a herbicide sprayer, and quantities of beans and maize seeds. The initiative, part of the “Building Sustainable Livelihoods in Vibrant Community” project, aims to ensure that vulnerable households can sustain their agricultural activities amidst economic challenges.
Felix Ajakaye, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, emphasized the importance of these inputs in combatting rural poverty. He urged recipients to utilize the resources for planting to maximize the benefits of the initiative. The distribution event in Ekiti was graced by local dignitaries, including the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, who praised Caritas Nigeria for their support and highlighted the positive impact these resources would have on the community.
Simultaneously, the NEDC partnered with the LOBITO Group for Asiwaju to distribute farming aids to 4,200 farmers in Bauchi State. This distribution, which took place in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, included water pumps, liquid fertiliser, chemicals, and improved seeds for rice and maize. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s goals of boosting crop production and achieving food security nationwide.
Sulaiman Aliyu, representing the NEDC, affirmed that the initiative is designed to target smallholder farmers at the grassroots, enhancing their productivity and, subsequently, their livelihoods.
