‘Promoting agriculture will curb crime, poverty’

Nigerian youths have been charged to develop agricultural skill sets that could make them to become self-employed and play active roles in the efforts to diversify the economy through agriculture.

Acting chairman of Koko Besse Local Government area in Kebbi State, Alhaji Umar Gulumbe, gave the charge at weekend while fielding questions from journalists in Birnin Kebbi, adding that promoting agriculture would reduce the high rate of poverty, crimes and unemployment.

Gulumbe, who also commended the efforts of the Kebbi State government for sustaining the Anchor Borrowers’ programme, urged the people to support the present administration on food security efforts.

“We thank President Muhammad Buhari and Governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu for supporting us on rice production. We have confidence in their administrations because this is the only strategy for the nation to survive and engage the youth,” he added.

In a related development, the acting chairman of Arugungu Local Government, Lawal Garba Alauwasa, also commended the state government for engaging youths in agriculture.