Niger State Governor Umaru Bago Launches ASAP Grant Distribution and Celebrates Graduation of Youth Agricultural Equipment Fabricators.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
Minna, Niger State – In a significant boost to the agricultural sector, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago officially launched the distribution of the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) grant. This initiative, made possible through collaboration with the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), aims to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers in the state.
The flag-off ceremony took place in Minna, where the Governor, represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, also celebrated the graduation of 45 youths who were trained in the fabrication of essential agricultural equipment.
Governor Bago highlighted the importance of the ASAP grant, noting that Niger State is one of only two states selected for this funding. He emphasized that this timely intervention aligns with the current administration’s vision to transform agriculture, supporting smallholders in addressing the challenges posed by climate change while also expanding arable land through climate-resilient practices.
Expressing gratitude to both the federal government and IFAD/VCDP for their support, Governor Bago committed to the state’s continued financial contributions to ensure the success of this initiative. He urged for the involvement of additional local government areas to maximize the program’s benefits.
The Governor congratulated the grant beneficiaries, expressing confidence that they would effectively utilize the support provided to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and offer services to local farmers.
Dr. Fatima Aliyu, the National Programme Coordinator of VCDP, remarked on the remarkable impact the program has had in fostering youth entrepreneurship, empowering women, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. She noted that the ASAP grant aims to benefit 24,000 smallholder farmers across the nation, with Niger State accounting for 18,700 of this total, including a significant number of women.
The intervention includes the distribution of climate-resilient planting materials, soil conservation efforts, initiatives to convert waste into wealth, improvements in water resource access, and renewable energy solutions.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, conveyed an optimistic message about the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, emphasizing its potential to be inclusive, climate-smart, and youth-driven.
Supporters from various organizations, including representatives from NAMDA and the National Animal Production Research Institute, expressed their endorsement of the initiative, believing it will foster growth and development within the agricultural domain.
As part of the ASAP grant distribution, beneficiaries received a variety of essential equipment, including cassava peel conversion machines, solar-powered irrigation pumps, and climate information tools. Additionally, the starter packs provided for the newly trained youths will help foster agricultural innovation across nine local government areas in Niger State.
