By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
Katsina State has expressed commitment to join the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program’s phase II, even as it disclosed plans to establish an irrigation authority in the state.
The State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda who disclosed this when a team from SAPZ, the African Development Bank (AFDB), and the Federal Ministry of Finance, paid him a visit at the Government House, said, the program would provide opportunities for young people, and address potential restiveness.
Led by its National Coordinator, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, the SAPZ team was in Katsina to assess the state’s preparedness for the program.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Mohammed on Wednesday said, Governor Radda declared his strong commitment to SAPZ, noting its potential benefit to the state.
He announced plans to establish three farm settlement centres specifically designed to provide agricultural training for the state’s youth, adding that an enabling law has already been passed to facilitate their creation.
“The existing Songhai farms in Dutsinma and Mairowa, as well as the NALDA farm at Suduje in Daura, will be fully equipped to train youths in various agricultural value chains, including poultry, rabbit production, and irrigation farming,” Governor Radda stated.
The Katsina Governor also expressed interest in collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to manage the NALDA farm in Daura.
Governor Radda pledged to provide basic infrastructure at identified irrigation sites to keep young people engaged in agricultural activities. This initiative is aimed at combating poverty, creating jobs, and steering youth away from banditry and other poverty-related crimes.
“We are grateful for Katsina’s inclusion in the program’s second phase. We are committed to fulfilling all conditions to ensure its timely launch in our state”, Governor Radda affirmed.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the SAPZ program, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, highlighted the program’s potential to invigorate the nation’s agricultural sector.
He emphasized its focus on supporting inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial growth, alongside objectives such as economic diversification and reducing the nation’s food import bill.
Dr. Yusuf described SAPZ as a catalyst for attracting private sector investment in transforming raw agricultural products into high-value goods.
This strategic approach, he explained, holds the key to unlocking a future of enhanced food security, increased job creation, and boosted export earnings for the state.
A key highlight of the visit was the visual presentation showcasing the SAPZ concept.
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