The Federal Government on Tuesday launched a mini water treatment plant constructed in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said that the new facility was part of its efforts to bolster agricultural activities in Yobe State.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, noted that asides from improving agricultural production, the new plant would ensure better living conditions for the people.

Nanono, who was represented by the North-East Zonal Director of the ministry, Umaru Mohammed, reiterated the importance of safe water to healthy living.

The minister harped on the prospect of the project to increase the productivity and profitability of the agricultural endeavours in the area.

He added that the facility would help to create employment opportunities for women and youths.

The Minister, however, urged the people to imbibe a good maintenance culture to sustain the plant.

Nanono said, “We appeal to the state government, local government, and the traditional institutions to collaborate and ensure that the project is properly used and maintained.

“Government has initiated many programmes in the agriculture sector, aimed at effectively contributing to the nation’s food security and poverty alleviation efforts.

“They include the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), the Anchor Borrowers Programme, and resuscitation of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).”

On their part, Yobe Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Mairo Amshi, and the Director of Personnel and Management for Bade Local Government, Alhaji Adamu Dagona, lauded the Federal Government for the intervention.

Dagona, however, assured the federal ministry of the local government’s cooperation to ensure the sustainability of the project.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA