I will prioritize job creation and poverty reduction, through commercially driven Agriculture – Atiku 

Chigozie Ikpo, Abuja

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar has promised to prioritize the development of the Agricultural sector, in order to create jobs and reduce poverty, if elected president come February 25, this year.

He stated this on Tuesday during the unveiling and launching of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, (AFAN) customized tricycles, in collaboration with Farinciki Nigeria Ltd and Songou motors, South Korea, at the National Air Force Centre Kado, Abuja.

In an address delivered by Ambassador Ibrahim Basir, the Presidential candidate stated that Agriculture is one of his 5-point developmental agenda, describing it as “the surest paths to Economy recovery”.

He said “Agriculture will develop into a modern productive and competitive venture, with high job creation and poverty reduction capacity.

“By the Grace of God, if elected president, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar promise to increase agricultural output from the current level of 41.18trillion to about 55 trillion by the year 2030. This implies an annual growth rate in the agricultural sector from the current 2.1 percent to 3.7 Per-annum between 2023 and 2030.

“If given the mandate to lead this country, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has promised to improve the Agricultural sector’s access to financial services through NIRSAL in de-risking lending to the sector by commercial and development banks.

“The overall goal is to improve the financial capacity of the farmers and other agricultural producers, to adapt new technologies that will increase their overall yield”. He said

Atiku Promised to provide facilities to boost small scale business as well as create employment opportunities across all the 774 local governments in the country and congratulated AFAM, Farinciki, Songou motors and all partners in the project for a successful launch.

The ceremony featured the unveiling and testing of the tricycle, presentation of awards to deserving individuals, including Hon. Minister of Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, dance performances and lots more.