FROM RABILU ABUBAKAR GOMBE
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to embrace modern farming practices to bolster food security and economic growth.
The former president made this appeal while commissioning a state-of-the-art seed processing factory at Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Dadinkowa, Gombe State.
The factory, established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with Propcom+, features cutting-edge technology for cleaning, grading, treating and packaging high-quality and climate-resilient seeds.
It is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity in the North East and across the country.
In his keynote address, Obasanjo emphasised the importance of agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and underscored the critical role of quality seeds in the agricultural value chain.
The former president praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his visionary leadership in establishing the industrial park, which he described as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.
He also highlighted the strategic advantage of the park’s proximity to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant, which positions Gombe as a leader in industrial and agricultural transformation.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to position Gombe as an agro-industrial hub, Governor Yahaya noted the state’s significant investments in infrastructure and reforms that have earned it top ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index in recent years.
“This factory symbolizes our dedication to foster job creation, economic growth and food security,” Yahaya said.
Managing Director of Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, Mr Ibitoye Oyewale expressed optimism about the factory’s potential to revolutionise seed production in Nigeria.
He credited the success of the project to the collaborative efforts of Premier Seed and Propcom+, a UK-funded programme promoting climate-smart agriculture.
In his remarks, the Country Director of Propcom+, Dr Abiye Ode described the factory’s commissioning as a milestone that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on food security and Governor Yahaya’s vision of agricultural transformation.
