…As Senator Empowers 300 Dry-Season Farmers

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The Executive Chairman of Shani Local Government Area, Hon. Hassan Labaki, has expressed strong support for Senator Mohammed Ndume and Governor Babagana Zulum regarding their opposition to the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which recently passed second reading in the Senate.

Labaki made this statement during the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of agricultural inputs, including 300 water pumping machines, 300 knapsack sprayers, 1,500 pre-planting pesticides, 1,500 post-planting pesticides, and empowerment support to 180 farmers under the Ndume Sustainable Farmers Initiative. The event, sponsored by Senator Ndume, took place over the weekend at the Emir of Shani’s Palace, HRH Alhaji Muhammad Nasir Mailafiya.

The Chairman thanked Senator Ndume for his ongoing support to farmers, noting that this gesture is part of a long-standing effort where the Senator has regularly provided tractors, fertilizers, insecticides, improved seed varieties, and other agricultural inputs across the nine councils of Borno State. In July, Senator Ndume reached out to over 18,000 farmers in Bayo, providing fertilizers and other farming supplies.

Labaki also commended Governor Zulum for his open-door policy, which has fostered unity and positive change in the state. He emphasized that both Senator Ndume and Governor Zulum, along with other critics of the Tax Reform Bills, have highlighted the negative impacts these bills could have, especially on the people of Northeast Nigeria, who are still recovering from the effects of the Boko Haram insurgency, floods, and other disasters.

The Chairman praised all those who continue to defend the interests of Borno and Nigeria, particularly Governor Zulum and Senator Ndume, for their unwavering stance against the bills.

In his remarks, the Emir of Shani, HRH Alhaji Nasiru Mailafiya, lauded Senator Ndume as a dedicated representative who prioritizes the well-being of his constituents. The Emir also called for efforts to establish the Shani Federal College of Agriculture to address the region’s pressing educational needs.

Hajia Maryam Ali Ndume, founder of the Ndume Sustainable Farmers Initiative, represented by Madam Kwapaya Ayuba, shared the vision behind the initiative, emphasizing its goal to help Southern Borno residents achieve self-reliance through sustainable agricultural development.

Senator Ndume, represented by former Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Abubakar Jato, highlighted the importance of investing in agriculture to tackle food insecurity and boost the region’s economic growth. He conveyed Senator Ndume’s message: “Work Towards Developing Yourself.”

The event concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Ndume Sustainable Farmers 2024 Season, with Hawul Local Government Area emerging as the overall winner, followed by Kwaya Kusar and Bayo local government areas in second and third place, respectively.