FG to Recruit 75,000 Agric Extension Workers

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

No fewer than 75,000 agricultural extension workers are to be recruited by federal government as part of efforts to ensure food security in the country.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Mustapha Baba Shehuri, during a visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, said President Muhammadu Buhari gave the ministry a directive to employ the extension workers.

During the visit, the Minister commended the management and staff of the State Office of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

He said they have been able to perform well and keep the office in business despite the huge challenges in the region.

The north east region of the country, including Borno State, has been bedevilled with activities of Boko Haram for many years, causing shortage of food in some parts of the country because farmers have been unable to carry out their businesses.

The Minister pointed out that Borno State is known for agriculture and trading, according to history, enjoining those at the ministry’s office in the state to bring agriculture back to life.

He promised that the new mandates given to the Ministry by the President Muhammadu Buhari will provide solution to their challenges.

“Despite security challenges, the good time is returning gradually. Even though the job is not directly from the government, agriculture has engaged more than 60 percent of Nigerians today. So, we need to motivate those in the agriculture sector so as to ease their jobs,” he said.

During the visit, the Borno State Coordinator, FMARD, congratulated the Minister on his reappointment and expressed his team’s joy in the resourcefulness of Mr Shehuri.

The state coordinator used the opportunity to inform the Minister about their challenges which are mostly in the area of staff welfare.

In the remarks, the Regional Director, North East Region, Mr Shimo Mela, appreciated the Minister for the visit, saying he remains one of the few that have ever visited Borno State. He thanked the Minister for his pro-activeness in issues that concern the youth.