Mr. Kayode Alabi, the Deputy Governor of Kwara has called on the youths to partner with government in turning the state to an agricultural hub.
Alabi made the call on Thursday in Oke-Oyi in the Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state after he inspected the farm established by the N-Power Agro and the distribution of cashew seedlings to youth farmers.
The deputy governor, who expressed delight in what he saw, advised the youths to continue to pray that the government actualised its mission to turn Kwara in an agricultural hub.
He urged the youths not to be discouraged, saying Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration would support them to excel in their various careers.
“Farming is a lucrative business now and youths must be focused and hardworking to make something meaningful out of it.
“Leadership is about giving to the people and making sacrifices, which the virtues our administration is committed to.
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“It is not about stealing or milking the resources of the state; as leader, we should be ready to sacrifice for the good of others,” the deputy governor said.
Alabi urged the N-Power volunteers not to be distracted by the luxury life had presented to them, stressing that the only way one can be successful was through hard work.
“Don’t worry, believe me, you will get there. Stay focused. I assure you my boss is interested in fixing Kwara,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed Brimah, the Special Assistant on Job Creation and Youth Employment to the President, commended the state government for taking the lead in giving farmlands to the youths.
Brimah said that Kwara would be a model and template for other states to emulate.
He called on other states to provide land for N-Power Agro volunteers to further expand farming in the country.
According to him, N-Power programme is a means to an end and a way of positively engaging the youths.
Dr. Habibat Katibi, the Focal Person for N-Power in Kwara commended the efforts and commitments of youths for who participated in the N-Power Agro Achieved Milestones programme.
Earlier, Alhaji Abubakar Gidado, the Co-ordinator of the N-Power Agro Cashew, Maize and Soya Beans in the state, applauded the federal and the state governments for their supports.
Gidado said that the youth were ready to embrace farming.
He, however, appealed to the government to address some of the challenges facing the members which included funding and farm inputs. (NAN)
