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FG’ll deploy drones to maximise agricultural output – Kyari
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, on Tuesday, said the Federal Government will deploy technology for all-year round farming.
The minister said this while briefing State House correspondents.
“The faster we clear land, harvest, chemical deployment, whether it’s pesticide, whether it’s herbicide, the better.
“We intend to use drone technology in doing that because what one drone can do, a hundred people cannot do in a day.
“So, we are going to use drones to fast-track agricultural activities, harvest quickly, and then make the land available for the next cycle of cultivation,” said Kyari.
He said his ministry would partner the private sector to support vibrant youths to take advantage of its mechanisation programme.
“It is very important to also educate our farmers that agriculture is no longer for the stomach only. It should also be seen as a business, something that will earn a livelihood.
“So, what we have seen that input support may not necessarily be what will incentivise our smallholder farmers to produce.
“I think we need to change the mindset and see how we can engage them in such a way that funding from the private sector should support agricultural production,” he said. (NAN)
The minority caucus in the house of representatives has condemned the killing of 16 Kano-bound hunters in Edo state.
On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo killed 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state.
The travellers were attacked and lynched after some vigilance group members raised the alarm on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
The Edo state government said 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killing would be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
During a visit to some of the families of the victims at Bankure LGA in Kano, Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, assured that justice would be served.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minority caucus described the killing of the hunters as “barbaric”.
“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of the federal government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country,” the statement reads.
The lawmakers asked Nigerians never to resort to jungle attacks on fellow citizens but to always report any concerns to security agencies.
“We are a nation under the rule of laws, and our law enforcement agencies are always available to partner with every Nigerian to assuage their concerns,” the caucus said.
While noting that the incident is “already setting emotions on edge” in parts of the country, the legislators urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the security agencies investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Also, adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers implored Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding and allow the federal and state governments to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Chinda, minority leader; Ali Isa, minority whip; and Aliyu Madaki, deputy minority leader.
Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, has condemned the murder of 16 Kano-bound travellers in Edo state.
Describing the incident as “deeply painful”, the former Bayelsa governor warned that those who engage in ethnic profiling are risking a Rwanda-like tragedy in Nigeria.
The travellers were attacked and lynched after members of a vigilance group in Uromi suspected that they were kidnappers.
“There should be no collective criminalization or demonization of any group of Nigerians, ethnic profiling or reprisal attacks,” Dickson wrote on Facebook.
“That was why, when I was governor, even at the height of herdsmen crisis, we insisted on law and order, and made sure that Bayelsa State was safe and free for everyone subject to the laws of the state.
“Those who profile Nigerians according to ethnic group, and criminalize and insult whole tribes are inviting the Rwandan experience which I always preach against. We must isolate and punish criminals wherever they are found and whoever they are.
“In Nigeria, everyone has a right to freedom of movement and should be protected. Everyone has the right to go about their business and feel safe while doing so.
“I call on all leaders to de-escalate tensions and work for unity and mutual coexistence of all Nigerians founded on justice and respect for the rights of all citizens as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and laws.”
Commending the “proactive steps taken” by Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor, Dickson called on the state government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
He also demanded compensation for families of the victims.
Residents of Otukpo in Benue south district have staged a protest against the incessant cases of kidnappings and killings by suspected herdsmen.
The Tuesday demonstration saw protesters, mostly youths, occupy the Otukpo-Enugu federal highway, calling on the government to address the growing insecurity in the state.
There has been a surge in cases of killings and kidnappings allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in several LGAs in Benue state.
When contacted, Catherine Anene, the police spokesperson in the state, told TheCable that the protest was brought under control by security operatives.
“The protest is under control at the moment; we would let you know as soon as there is further information,” Anene said.
On March 10, 13 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed in an attack by suspected herdsmen on Katsina Ala LGA of the state.
The gunmen were said to have attacked several communities, including Utange council, Kpav, Dikpo, and the Imande Gberihwa area of the state.