At a strategic meeting held at the Old Government House in Katsina, the Special Adviser on Political Affairs and Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Katsina Chapter, Rt. Hon. Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, delivered a bold statement: “Agriculture is the key to securing the future of Katsina and Nigeria from the grip of banditry, kidnapping, and crime.” Organized by the NGO Himma Agricultural Support Association, in collaboration with the Farmers Commodity Association, the event underscored farming as a powerful force for youth and women empowerment.
Gwajo-Gwajo highlighted that by treating farming as a business, unemployed youth and women would find numerous opportunities, reducing the lure of crime.
“A busy mind has no time for banditry,” he said, noting that Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration prioritizes agriculture, with 85% of the state’s population already engaged in farming.
The meeting, attended by 37 commodity associations, further emphasized support for farmers. The president of Himma Agricultural Support, Professor Sanusi Jari, committed to advancing Governor Radda’s agricultural policies by improving seed access and training farmers.
With renewed focus on agriculture, Katsina aims to transform farming into a crime-busting, wealth-generating force, ushering in a future of peace and prosperity.