The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has assured farmers and pastoralists in Udobo, Gamawa, Bauchi State, on Sunday of the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding land rights while enhancing agricultural productivity.
During a community engagement in the historically significant agrarian town, the Minister outlined President Bola Tinubu’s strategies to address food insecurity through rural empowerment, science-driven farming, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
A statement from his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, highlighted that Udobo, once a key agricultural hub in Nigeria during the 1960s and 70s, had suffered decades of neglect, with the community’s agriculture severely impacted by floods and climate change.
However, the situation has started to change with the urgent support from the federal government.
Ambassador Tuggar praised the community’s enduring potential, stating, “This land fed nations. We aim to revive that legacy without displacing those who till it.”
He further explained President Tinubu’s strategy for Udobo and similar communities, assuring farmers that their lands would be protected. “No one will lose their land. Grow what you eat first; we’ll help you sell the surplus,” Tuggar pledged.
The Minister also announced that with the support of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, the Federal Government would enhance water access in Udobo’s fadama wetlands and introduce climate-smart tools to optimize agricultural output, improving the community’s overall livelihood.
Additionally, Ambassador Tuggar detailed the various measures he implemented as Minister of Foreign Affairs to assist victims of last year’s devastating floods, which severely impacted Udobo and other local communities. Through his diplomatic efforts, ECOWAS and federal agencies secured funding for resilient infrastructure to help communities recover.
Hajiya Aisha, one of the beneficiaries of the support, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Tuggar for not abandoning the community. “We are very grateful to Tuggar for his support to our community. I am sure the fertilizers he gave us will help a lot of farmers during the upcoming raining season,” she said.
Youth leader Musa Adamu Udubo also thanked the Minister for his efforts and urged further support for farmers to prevent urban migration. “Empowerment must reach young farmers to curb urban migration. We are grateful to the minister for his diplomatic efforts to bring sustainable development to our community. He has fulfilled his promise to support us and we will not forget this massive support.”
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Tuggar reiterated President Tinubu’s pledge to alleviate the impact of economic reforms. “Pain is temporary; progress is permanent. Microcredit schemes and subsidized machinery will soon follow,” he said.
“Food security is national security. Udobo’s revival symbolizes our resolve: a Nigeria where no farmer fears progress,” Tuggar concluded, as the villagers applauded.
